The Bitter and The Sweet Podcast

What is grace? How does it meet us where we are?    This is the conversation I was so excited to have with a new friend of mine, Katie M. Kelley about her new book, Grace Will Be There: Finding God in the Life We Aren't Ready For.   Katie M. Kelley is a mother of eight in a beautiful blended family, a writer, teacher, and learner. She is a contributing writer to the Coffee + Crumbs blog as well as one of the podcast's co-host, and the author of multiple books for children and adults.   Katie and I got to talk about defining grace (this word we throw around so often!), what we miss about grace when we try so hard to be "good," the agency God has given us to participate in our own healing, and what faithfulness looks like.   LINKS Get your copy of Grace Will Be There Connect with Katie on Instagram Visit Katie's website Connect with Kayla on Instagram Visit Kayla's website Leave a review on Apple podcasts      

September is National Recovery Month, and in honor of that, we've got a very special conversation for you today with my friend, Tara Norbeck.   Tara is an author and speaker whose newest book, Dear Mom of an Addict: Ten Truths You Need to Know to Parent Your Addicted Child and Reclaim Hope, was born out of what she has learned over years of parenting her son, who battles addiction.   Tara and I got to talk about her realization that addiction had entered her family, the difference between privacy and secrecy, navigating the chaos consequences of other people's choices, putting our hope in the person of Jesus vs in circumstances changing, unconditional love with conditional support, and much more.   There is something so generous about books and conversations that come from suffering, and Tara is wildly generous with her story for the sake of sharing hope and helping other families dealing with the fallout of addiction.   LINKS:  Connect with Tara on Instagram Visit Tara's website Get your copy of Dear Mom of an Addict  Connect with Kayla on Instagram Visit Kayla's website (and become an email friend!) Leave a review on Apple podcasts

It's our second birthday insert confetti poppers + party horn sounds and we are celebrating BIG around here! Joining me for our second birthday celebration and EPISODE ONE HUNDRED is my favorite person, my husband, Garrett Cook, for a conversation all about celebration. Garrett and I got to talk about why we need celebration, different perceptions about celebrating that keep us stuck, when to celebrate, and celebration when you're grieving.  You could be anywhere and could listen to anything, and I'm beyond grateful you spend time with me each week.  Happy 2nd Birthday, The Bitter & the Sweet podcast! The best is yet to come.     LINKS Leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts Connect with Kayla on Instagram Visit Kayla's website and become an email friend

      Because of Jesus, we walk in freedom, and yet we are called to walk in self-control. What does this look like to hold both?  In this short episode (less than 10 minutes!), I'm sharing a personal story of growing in self-control and two questions to ask when you're weighing self-control vs. freedom.    LINKS Visit Kayla's website (become an email friend there!) Connect with Kayla via Instagram Leave a review on Apple Podcasts  

If being hard on yourself is your default setting, this is your invitation to try something different. In this short episode (less than 10 minutes!), we are talking about how Jesus describes Himself, where we see God's gentleness in the Old Testament too, and how the gospel invites us to come home to God. Jesus Himself is gentle and lowly, and because He is, we can be too.   LINKS Leave a review on Apple podcasts Connect with Kayla on Instagram Visit Kayla's website (and become an email friend there!)

Infertility and loss are parts of my story that I would never, ever choose, but I know that I know God more because of them.  In this short episode (less than 10 minutes!), we are talking about the hard-won spiritual fruit of faithfulness, and how God uses the things in our lives that break our hearts and make us mad for good, to grow us in ways only He can.  He who promised is faithful. He who calls you is faithful. Because He is faithful, we can be too.    LINKS Leave a review on Apple podcasts Connect with Kayla on Instagram Visit Kayla's website (and become an email friend there!)  

As simple as it is, goodness can feel obscure.  In this short episode (less than 10 minutes!), we're diving deep on what it means to be good, living out the goodness God is growing in us, and why that's not as complicated as it feels sometimes.   LINKS Leave a review on Apple podcasts Connect with Kayla on Instagram Visit Kayla's website (and become an email friend there!)

Caring for the vulnerable can look "big," but often, it looks small to us. The good news is God cares about both the big and small, and He puts us in places to meet needs and share His love with the world and our neighbors.   Join me and three of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about three practical ways to care for the vulnerable: foster care, caring for caregivers, and supporting our local schools.    These women are incredible advocates for vulnerable children and families. In this episode, we're getting real about foster care, the needs of caregivers, and supporting our local schools, regardless of how we choose to educate our own children.   I hope this episode gives you eyes to see the needs around you and encourages you to take action right where you are.      LINKS Episode 6: The Family You Offer with Lauren Alexander Connect with Lauren on Instagram Episode 13: Why Caring for Caregivers Matters with Jess Ronne Connect with Jess on Instagram Get Jess' devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace: 100 Days of Hope and Encouragement Watch the documentary Unseen: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It Matters Episode 49: How the Local Church Can Support Local Schools with Maegan Little Connect with Maegan on Instagram

It can feel complicated to love God but feel wary of His people. When it comes to church hurt, sometimes it's hard to know if what happened to you was just disappointment (people are very people-y, after all), or if it was something more.   Join me and two of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we tell the truth about Church hurt.  We're talking about the difference between disappointment/hurt and spiritual abuse, how to sort through being disappointed with an organization vs. the God they represent, how to know when it's time to stay and when it's time to move on, and more.   Wherever you are on your faith walk and in your story with God and His people, I hope this episode gives you some clarity and helps you walk in grace.    LINKS Episode 5: The Family of God with Sarah Wood Connect with Sarah on Instagram Episode 50: Finding a Home in the Local Church with Dusty Smith Connect with Kayla on Instagram

Our people need us, our to-do lists get long, the demands get loud, and our phones are insanely distracting. Somewhere in all that noise, we forget to just be with God.    Join me and some of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about getting to know God and spending time with Him through three foundational practices: scripture, silence and solitude, and prayer.    These practices are not easy, but they are simple, and they connect us straight to the heart of God.    LINKS Connect with Kayla on Instagram Episode 15: The Comfort and Joy of Scripture with Lindsay May Connect with Lindsay on Instagram Episode 16: Getting Quiet with God with Simi John Connect with Simi on Instagram Episode 17: Praying with Expectancy with Jackie Aviles Connect with Jackie on Instagram

Marital status can feel like a defining feature of our lives, but it doesn't have to be!  Join me and some of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about three different relationship angles: marriage, divorce, and singleness, and what it looks like to live fully in your season, regardless of your marital status. Whether you're healing from heartbreak, trusting God's timing, or building a life you love as a wife, this conversation is for you.       LINKS Connect with Kayla on Instagram Episode 45: Building a Healthy Marriage with Tondra Gregory Connect with Tondra on Instagram Get your copy of Tondra's book, The Marriage Game Plan Episode 46: Finding Hope After Divorce with Melinda Olsen Connect with Melinda on Instagram Visit Melinda's website and find out more about post-divorce coaching Episode 47: What Your Single Friends Wish You Knew with Aleigh Porter Connect with Aleigh on Instagram Check out Aleigh's podcast, The Best Changed Plans

Kindness sounds simple enough...until it isn't.  With honest thoughts on the times kindness is harder than it looks, what it means that love is kind, and trusting in the goodness of a God who doesn't always give us what we ask for, this episode will help you see how His kindness meets us, even in the middle of our questions.   LINKS Visit Kayla's website (and become an email friend there!) Leave a review on Apple podcasts Connect with Kayla on Instagram  

If you've been patient and put in the time, but you're still waiting... If you're wondering if you should keep waiting or just move on... If you've watched other people get what you've spent years praying for... If you're trying to figure out if that twinge in your heart is jealousy or pain... If you're wondering why God has let {that} go on for so long... This episode is for you.   LINKS Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Become an email friend Visit Kayla's website

In a culture fueled by outrage and fear, is it possible for us to have peace?   With practical help for breaking anxious thought loops and living at peace with others without people-pleasing, this episode will help you remember the peace God offers isn't just possible; it's what we were created for.      LINKS Leave a review on Apple podcasts Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Become an email friend Visit Kayla's website

One of the most important things to me in the making of this episode on joy was that it not become some Pollyanna, joy is all around us-type episode, full of platitudes and pretending.  Here's the thing: I do believe that there's joy all around us. That's because in the presence of God, there is fullness of joy, and He's with us always, just like He said.  But man, sometimes we're just SAD, aren't we? How do we embrace joy in every season, even (and maybe especially) when it is hard-won? Is joy available to us now, or something grown in us over time, or is it a someday thing we look forward to? What about when we're sad or grieving, and what about when we stay that way for a long time? Questions like there are what this episode is all about.     LINKS Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Become an email friend Visit Kayla's website

How do I love my people above my own preferences? How do I love when I've been hurt, or when I'm disappointed, or when I feel like I've been let down? How do I love God most when I'm mad at Him? We don't shy away from the hard questions around here, and in this episode about love, we are tackling these (and others) head on! In this honest conversation all about love, Kayla gets real about living as a person of love. With practical tips on how to love in hard seasons, healing a hard heart, and staying rooted in your faith when love feels hard, this episode will remind you you're not alone as you seek to love God and the people He gave you.   LINKS Become an email friend Invite Kayla to speak Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

Feeling the pressure to make this a perfect summer?  In today's short solo episode, we're talking about releasing the pressure of a summer bucket list, plus what's coming up this summer here on the show. Don't miss it!   LINKS Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Become an email friend Visit Kayla's website

So many of us are walking around with the weight of the world on our shoulders. The pressure to hold it all together is real, but what if we could trade our overwhelm and anxiety for peace?  It's possible, and that's what we are talking about today with a new friend of mine, Nichole Suvar! Nichole is the author of I Don't Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed. When I heard that title, I thought YES PLEASE- this book is for me and my people. Nichole and I got to talk about managing overwhelm- where it comes from and what we can do about, intentionally connecting with God throughout our days, good stewardship and taking responsibility without taking on things that aren't ours to own. We also got to talk about battling anxiety, cultivating peace, and the attributes of Eden that are still present today, even as we live in a broken world. I loved this conversation with Nichole, and I'm excited we get to share it with you. Links to connect are below!     LINKS Connect with Nichole on Instagram Visit Nichole's website: livewithintent.org Pre-order I Don't Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

If you've ever thought or been told you should "just pray more" when it comes to your mental health, this conversation with my friend Rebecca Woodman is for you! Rebecca is a wife, mom, therapist, and founder and executive director of ChurchxCity, a nonprofit that partners with the local church to bring affordable, Biblically based, mental health counseling to the city of Charlotte.  Rebecca and I got to talk about the stigma around anxiety and depression in faith spaces, how the Church has historically not done a great job when it comes to navigating mental health issues, positive changes in that, and where we go from here. We talked about when it's time to see a counselor or therapist, how to find one, and pursuing emotional wellness in a way that is rooted in faith without shame.  Healing and wholeness matter deeply to God because people matter deeply to Him. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, spiritually exhausted from trying harder, or alone in your struggles, this episode will remind you faith and mental health can coexist.    LINKS Connect with Rebecca on Instagram Learn more about (or connect with!) ChurchxCity Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Become an email friend    

Why are we so naturally drawn to prioritize ourselves? What does it actually look like to live selflessly without losing sight of our God-given worth as image bearers (Imago Dei)? I recently got to unpack those questions (and much more!) with a brand new friend of mine, author Morgan Krueger. Morgan is a wife, mom, and Live Original Ambassador. She is the author of two books, including her latest Made to Magnify: Choosing to Live for Jesus When Everything Tells You to Live for Yourself. Morgan and I got to talk about the deep tension between self-centered living and a life that truly reflects Jesus. Together, we got to unpack living selflessly without losing who we were made to be, the everyday choices that shape our spiritual lives, and the powerful invitation God extends to know Him personally. Morgan shares how building trust in God's character frees us from constant striving and performance-based faith, allowing us to rest in His presence instead. This episode brings theology down to earth, with practical insight into what living for Jesus looks like in the ordinary rhythms of life, even on a normal Tuesday. If you've ever wrestled with purpose, identity, or surrender, this conversation will help you reframe what it means to truly magnify God in a self-focused world.   LINKS Connect with Morgan on Instagram Get your copy of Morgan's new book, Made to Magnify Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend  

While we are in between National Infertility Awareness Week and Mother's Day, I wanted to bring you some of the very best of the conversations we've had about family in many different forms.  Your family of origin, postpartum mental health, and foster care are challenging topics, but there is a Grace that covers them.  In this episode, we are talking about hard conversations and boundaries with the family who raised you, postpartum depression and how our mental health impacts the people we love, and caring for vulnerable people without trying to control outcomes.  If you've ever felt the weight of your story, struggled in motherhood, or needed to see hope in hard seasons, this episode offers honest conversations and gentle reminders of God's presence and faithfulness in both the bitter and the sweet.   LINKS Connect with Kristen on Instagram Get your copy of Kristen's book, Legacy Changer Connect with Rachael on Instagram Get your copy of Rachael's book, A Mom is Born Connect with Lauren on Instagram Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend  

It is National Infertility Awareness Week- a week that is near and dear to my heart, as infertility is part of my story.  This week, I'm sharing my personal story with infertility, what helps and what hurts to hear from loved ones, and why we never have to choose between grief and gratitude.      LINKS   Episode 8: The Family You Hoped Would Be Episode 14: You Don't Have to Choose Between Grief and Gratitude Episode 34: What to Say (and What Not to Say) to Your Infertile Friend Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Become an email friend Visit Kayla's website

This episode is a return to conversations with friends, and I'm so excited about that! Today's discussion is a special one with my friend Ashley Martin. Ashley is a speaker, author, and advocate for faith-based recovery.   You may remember Ashley from Episode 23, "Finding Your Way Back to God," where she shared her personal journey through alcohol addiction and recovery. In this episode, we are celebrating the release of her debut book, Lost No More: A Daily Path to God in the Midst of Your Deepest Valleys.   In this conversation, Ashley and I got to talk about surrender, the power of prayer, and how serving others can play a vital role in healing and recovery.   We also discuss what to do if you're at rock bottom (or if someone you love is struggling with addiction), and Ashley shares practical encouragement for navigating those difficult seasons. Plus, we go behind the scenes of the book-writing process and what it's like to publish a faith-based recovery story.   If you or someone you love is facing alcohol addiction or searching for hope, faith, and restoration, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.     LINKS Listen to Ashley's first episode of The Bitter & the Sweet- Finding Your Way Back to God, Episode 23 Connect with Ashley on Instagram Visit Ashley's website Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend

Feeling disconnected from God or struggling with church? In today's short 10-minute episode, we are talking about what it truly means to return to God, where this theme appears in the Bible, and how it applies to our lives today, especially for those struggling with church or feeling distant in their faith.   LINKS BibleProject Guide to the book of Joel Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend  

It is Holy Week, the most sacred week on the Christian calendar. It is really easy for us to skip to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, but let's not rush ahead. Let's soak in every day of Holy Week this year as we really consider the sacrifice Jesus made.  Before His death and resurrection, Jesus was betrayed by one of His followers. We are digging into that betrayal today, what it looked like then, and what it means for us.    Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend

In this short solo show (under 10 minutes!), we are diving into boundaries: where we see them in scripture, boundaries we set, boundaries that are set for us, and trusting God with them and within them.   Part of this episode comes from a message I brought to a church event not too long ago. If you are interested in having me bring a full length version message to your women's conference, retreat, or church gathering, reach out via my website, kaylamcook.com. I'd love to join you and serve your people!    Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend Connect with Kayla via Instagram Connect with the show via Instagram

In this short solo show (under 11 minutes!), we are diving into one reason why women are so tired these days, and what God offers us instead.    This is an abbreviated version of a message I gave at a women's conference not too long ago. If you are interested in having me bring the full length version to your women's conference, retreat, or church gathering, reach out via my website, kaylamcook.com. I'd love to join you and serve your people!    Visit Kayla's website Become an email friend Connect with Kayla via Instagram Connect with the show via Instagram

In this short solo show (just under 10 minutes!), we are digging into difficult circumstances we all face in life: when God doesn't fix it.    LINKS Episode 74: Facing Chronic Illness with Hope and Honesty with Lily Mitchell Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

If you are living with chronic illness or if you know and love someone who is, today's episode is one you are not going to want to miss!   My friend, Lily Mitchell, joined me for this important conversation. Lily is the kids ministry director at a church in North Carolina, a wife and mom, a small business owner, and Lily lives with chronic illness.    Join Lily and I for a conversation about:  Lily's own journey with getting a diagnosis (spoiler: it took YEARS!) what those of us not living with chronic illness don't know (and can't know) about living with chronic illness our response as believers to on-going suffering loving our friends with chronic illness well, and  how we as the Church can do this better   LINKS Connect with Lily on Instagram Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

Today's episode is a conversation all about living into your season with my friend, Bible teacher and podcaster Shannon Scott. Shannon is the host of the Everything Made Beautiful podcast and Director of Content for QAVA, a Christian streaming platform that creates digital biblical resources to help people go deeper in their faith. Shannon and I got to talk about why seasons matter what growth looks like in different seasons leaning into the joys and challenges of the season you're in dangers of rushing through a season and getting stuck the anxiety so many of us wrestle with, and living with expectancy and choosing hope over fear in every season   LINKS Connect with Shannon on Instagram Listen to Shannon's podcast, Everything Made Beautiful Check out QAVA Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

Can we be honest about what we want? Is it okay for Christians to want things, or is that selfish? How does what we want impact our perception of waiting seasons?  My friend Ashley Minor and I are going all in on questions like these today!   Ashley is the host of the Come Like a Child podcast, co-host of the Minutes to Hours podcast, and debut author of her new book, Aisle 29: Where Heaven Met My Hurry.  Ashley is a two time guest here on the pod (check out her first episode, Episode 26!). Our first show together was all about your calling and God's timing, and I'm thrilled to have Ashley back to celebrate the release of her first book and seeing this part of her calling come to fruition. If you were around for Ashley's first episode, you already love her, and if you've joined us since then, I can't wait for you to meet her!   Join Ashley and I as we talk about:  anxiety that can be attached to our waiting identifying the difference between fear and impatience making space for quiet being honest about what we want how our desires impact our perception of waiting seasons       LINKS Connect with Ashley on Instagram Get your copy of Ashley's new book, Aisle 29: Where Heaven Met My Hurry Listen to Ashley's first episode on The Bitter and the Sweet: Your Calling and God's Timing, Episode 26 Listen to Ashley's podcast, Come Like a Child Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel so seen. I did all three while we were recording this!  I loved this conversation with a new friend of mine, Cynthia Yanof, and I'm thrilled to share it with you today.   Cynthia is the host of the MESSmerized podcast and the author of two books, including her latest How'd I Miss That?: Gas Pump Confessions, Drive-Thru Obsessions, and Figuring Out What Really Matters.   Cynthia is a deep well and also deeply funny, which really matters around here :) Join Cynthia and I for a conversation about:  how we figure out what really matters in a world where there is so much to care about not missing the people God puts in front of us each day deciding what success looks like the good work God wants to do in us as we grow into the people He made us to be getting honest with God in our conversations  the most important thing about us      LINKS Connect with Cynthia on Instagram Get a copy of Cynthia's new book How'd I Miss That?: Gas Pump Confessions, Drive-Thru Obsessions, and Figuring Out What Really Matters Check out Cynthia's podcast, MESSmerized Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

How to we determine what to say yes to and what to say no to? How do we know if hardships are because we're doing something right, or because we're doing something wrong, or if it's just part of being human? And how do we embrace our limits instead of trying to work around them?  My friend Keagan Hayden is joining us to talk about it all! Keagan is a speaker and Bible teacher, host of the Bright & Bold podcast, and author of The Struggle is Real.    Join Keagan and I as we talk about:  embracing our limits instead of constantly trying to find a work-around how to know when hardship is spiritual warfare, part of being human, or divine redirection determining your yeses and nos for your season of life setting and holding healthy boundaries without becoming closed off one big lie I believe is affecting women right now   LINKS Listen to Keagan's podcast, Bright & Bold (this link will take you to the episode when Kayla was a guest!)  Get your copy of Keagan's book, The Struggle is Real: Purpose in the Pain Connect with Keagan on Instagram Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

This is our fourth and final week in our "best of" mini-series: 4 weeks of bringing you some of the best of all the conversations we've had on The Bitter & the Sweet! I have loved these sampler-style episodes, and I hope you have, too! We are wrapping up this mini-series and the month of January with a show that takes us back to our roots as a show: telling the truth about grief, joy, and the grace that covers it all.    Join some of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about: balancing moving forward with making space for our grief the times when it feels like you're going in circles with God (this is one of my personal favorite parts of the convo!) connecting with God and finding the Light when life gets dark grieving as a parent what to say and do (and what NOT to say and do!) when a loved one has lost a child advice for the early days of navigating deep grief grieving with hope building our trust in God and His character when we've been disappointed   LINKS How Grief Invites Us to Build Something New with Dawn Mann Sanders- Episode 11 Connect with Dawn on Instagram Get your copy of Dawn's book, When Your World Ends: God's Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life Isaiah's Story and Loving Your Friend Through Infant Loss with Hannah J Clements - Episode 9 Connect with Hannah's counseling practice, Oak and Sparrow Counseling Connect with Carried Ministries on Instagram Hannah's other episodes of our show: In Our Losses, We are Carried (Episode 56) and How to Grieve in a Healthy Way (Episode 57) How to Trust God in Hearthbreak with Claudia Campbell- Episode 32 Connect with Claudia on Instagram Get your copy of Claudia's book, These Stones Remain: 60 Reflections on Finding Hope When Darkness Lingers Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

We are in week three of our "best of" mini-series: 4 weeks of bringing you some of the best of all the conversations we've had on The Bitter & the Sweet! Today's episode is all about caring for your mental and spiritual health.   Join some of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about:  building resilience in ourselves and our children addressing shame bridging the gap between our mental and spiritual health misconceptions about healing the role of forgiveness in healing from grief, loss, or trauma the danger of isolation the freedom Jesus offers us counseling as a tool to help us walk in that freedom     LINKS The Impact of Trauma with Dr. Lindsay McVety, Part 1- Episode 39 Bridging the Gap Between Our Mental and Spiritual Health with Dr. Lindsay McVety, Part 2- Episode 40 Connect with Dr. Lindsay on Instagram Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma with Kimberly Haar- Episode 38 Connect with Kim on Instagram Get your copy of Kim's book, Healing From Life's Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss or Trauma Considering going to counseling? Listen to this with Kayla- Episode 59 Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

We are in week two of our "best of" mini-series: 4 weeks of bringing you some of the best of all the conversations we've had on The Bitter & the Sweet! Today's episode is all about friendship and community.   Join some of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about:  why women need each other loving a friend through a health crisis rejecting the temptation of self-sufficiency being a gracious receiver making friends as an adult good communication and conflict resolution in community the heartbreak of friendship breakups finding joy in friendship, even after we've been hurt     LINKS How God Loves Us Through His People with Vivian Mabuni- Episode 55 Connect with Vivian on Instagram Connect with Vivian via her website Get your copy of Vivian's book, Warrior in Pink Get your copy of Vivian's second book, Open Hands, Willing Heart The Family You Choose with Sam Williams- Episode 7 How to Make (and Keep!) Friends as an Adult with Kristen Strong- Episode 44 Connect with Kristen on Instagram Connect with Kristen on Substack Get your copy of Kristen's latest book, Desparate Woman Seeks Friends Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

We are kicking off season 5 with a "best of" mini-series: 4 weeks of bringing you some of the best of all the conversations we've had on The Bitter & the Sweet!   Given that we are in a brand new year, we are getting things started with the best of starting over. Join me and some of my favorite guests (and yours!) as we talk about:  starting over somewhere new building new friendships and being open to all God as for us finding our way back to God how getting clear in our calling helps us fight shame common patterns that hold us back healthy boundaries and walking in forgiveness where intentionality meets faith   LINKS Starting Over Somewhere New with Neshe Lee Sloan (Episode 21) Connect with Neshe on Instagram Neshe's coaching page (writers, don't miss this!) Visit Neshe's website   Finding Your Way Back to God with Ashley Martin (Episode 23) Connect with Ashley on Instagram Visit Ashley's website   You're One Choice Away from Change with Justin and Trisha Davis (Episode 28) Connect with Justin and Trisha's ministry, RefineUs Connect with Trisha on Instagram Connect with Justin on Instagram Get your copy of One Choice Away from Change   Living an Intentional Life with Cristina Slabic (Episode 19) Connect with Cristina on Instagram Visit Cristina's website Get your copy of Cristina's book, The Intentional Life   Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

The Bitter & the Sweet podcast has always been and will continue to be a show where we tell the truth about grief, joy, and the grace that covers it all.   In just 2 minutes, take a look back at where we've been in our first four seasons, and where we are going in season 5 (can you believe it?!), as we stop looking at our limits as liabilities and learn to live into them, instead.   Season 5 kicks off January 6, 2026. Let's go!

We've spent four weeks together preparing our hearts and our minds for the coming of Jesus, as we look forward to celebrating the incarnation at Christmas. In the fourth and final episode of our Advent series, it's all about love. I considered doing our Advent series solo, but the more I thought and prayed about it, I really felt that we all need to be pastored, to have a pastor's voice speaking into our lives and helping us navigate this sacred (and sometimes chaotic) season. There is no pastor I trust more than Dusty Smith. Full disclosure: Dusty is my pastor. I have known him for two decades, and I can tell you with certainty that 1- he is a trustworthy person with the utmost integrity, and 2- our church is growing and thriving under his leadership. I'm so grateful to get to have him on the show for this series. Pastor Dusty and his wife, Jennifer, planted Depot Church in North Carolina 12 years ago, where he is lead pastor. Dusty and Jennifer have four sons, ages 5-16. Join Dusty and I as we talk about: the ways we miss God's love for us, even if we "know" it's true internalizing the love of God for us personally looking for love in misplaced places (even the good ones) one characteristic of God that will encourage you if you're waiting or going through something hard  what to do when you don't feel God's love Dusty's favorite Christmas scripture     LINKS Advent Week 1 with Pastor Dusty Smith: A Thrill of Hope  Advent Week 2 with Pastor Dusty Smith: The Peace We Need Advent Week 3 with Pastor Dusty Smith: The Joy You're Looking For Connect with Dusty via Depot Church Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

Our Advent series continues today: four weeks of preparing our hearts and our minds for the coming of Jesus, as we look forward to celebrating the incarnation at Christmas. This is the third week of Advent, and this conversation is all about joy. I considered doing our Advent series solo, but the more I thought and prayed about it, I really felt that we all need to be pastored, to have a pastor's voice speaking into our lives and helping us navigate this sacred (and sometimes chaotic) season. There is no pastor I trust more than Dusty Smith. Full disclosure: Dusty is my pastor. I have known him for two decades, and I can tell you with certainty that 1- he is a trustworthy person with the utmost integrity, and 2- our church is growing and thriving under his leadership. I'm so grateful to get to have him on the show for this series. Pastor Dusty and his wife, Jennifer, planted Depot Church in North Carolina 12 years ago, where he is lead pastor. Dusty and Jennifer have four sons, ages 5-16. Join Dusty and I as we talk about: the joy of the season holding both grief and joy at Christmas time helping our kids experience joy and focus on the reason we celebrate walking in step in the Spirit finding joy in waiting seasons     LINKS Advent Week 1 with Pastor Dusty Smith: A Thrill of Hope  Advent Week 2 with Pastor Dusty Smith: The Peace We Need Connect with Dusty via Depot Church Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

Our Advent series continues today: four weeks of preparing our hearts and our minds for the coming of Jesus, as we look forward to celebrating the incarnation at Christmas.    This is the second week of Advent, and this conversation is all about peace.   I considered doing our Advent series solo, but the more I thought and prayed about it, I really felt that we all need to be pastored, to have a pastor's voice speaking into our lives and helping us navigate this sacred (and sometimes chaotic) season. There is no pastor I trust more than Dusty Smith.    Full disclosure: Dusty is my pastor. I have known him for two decades, and I can tell you with certainty that 1- he is a trustworthy person with the utmost integrity, and 2- our church is growing and thriving under his leadership. I'm so grateful to get to have him on the show for this series.   Pastor Dusty and his wife, Jennifer, planted Depot Church in North Carolina 12 years ago, where he is lead pastor. Dusty and Jennifer have four sons, ages 5-16.    Join Dusty and I as we talk about: defining peace, and the places we look for it the good and right pursuit of peace in our lives how to know when we have gone from pursuing peace to idolizing peaceful circumstances where Christmas chaos comes from, and how to combat it the peace that is available to us in and because of Jesus   LINKS Connect with Dusty via Depot Church Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

Our Advent series kicks off today: four weeks of preparing our hearts and our minds for the coming of Jesus, as we look forward to celebrating the incarnation at Christmas.    This is the first week of Advent, and it's all about hope!   I considered doing our Advent series solo, but the more I thought and prayed about it, I really felt that we all need to be pastored, to have a pastor's voice speaking into our lives and helping us navigate this sacred (and sometimes chaotic) season. There is no pastor I trust more than Dusty Smith.    Full disclosure: Dusty is my pastor. I have known him for two decades, and I can tell you with certainty that 1- he is a trustworthy person with the utmost integrity, and 2- our church is growing and thriving under his leadership. I'm so grateful to get to have him on the show for this series.   Pastor Dusty and his wife, Jennifer, planted Depot Church in North Carolina 12 years ago, where he is lead pastor. Dusty and Jennifer have four sons, ages 5-16.    Join Dusty and I as we talk about: what Advent is, and why we observe it defining biblical hope what to do when hope is hard to find where we see hope in the Christmas story   LINKS Connect with Dusty via Depot Church Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

We're all holding a mixed bag that doesn't go away just because it's Thanksgiving. The holidays are a magnifying glass, making everything feel bigger, for better or worse. In this short and candid episode, Kayla is getting real about holding grief and gratitude, hard seasons, and why we don't have to be afraid of the dark.    Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

As we look ahead to Christmas and celebrating the birth of Jesus, join me for a look at His lineage, the women we find there, and what we can learn from their stories.    Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

As we continue our conversations about who we are in light of who God is, today's episode is all about living as people who Jesus has set free.  Today, we are digging into mental health, shame, the lies we believe, and the freedom that is available to us in Christ. I hope that pointing to God's faithfulness in my story will help you see His faithfulness in your story. There is help, and there is hope.    National mental health hotline: 988 Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram  

As we continue to talk about who we are in light of who God is, I wanted to revisit a conversation I had earlier this year with my friend, Jenn Jett Barrett.  Jenn and I got to dig deep on what she calls "the holy work of living whole," bringing our full selves to be with Jesus, and it starts with getting honest with God. Jenn Jett Barrett is the founder of The Well Summit, where she creates spaces for women to care for their souls in a way that is emotionally healthy. Jenn is such a deep well. I loved our conversation, and I'm excited to share it with you today! Listen in as we talk about: the redemption we are waiting for, and the redemption that is already ours being honest about our grief making margin to be with God as we process all the things that come with being human living surrendered vs. living resigned when grieving makes us (and others!) uncomfortable cultivating curiosity in your relationship with God, and shedding the shame of not doing "enough" for Him how being emotionally healthy helps us view God rightly   LINKS: Connect with Jenn on Instagram Get the Dwell Journal Learn more about The Well Summit Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness feels like something sad but distant...until it happens to you.  In this episode, I'm sharing my own story of grieving the baby I lost to miscarriage, what the grieving process looked like as I was walking through the early days of loss, and what it looks like now, years later.  Whether you have experienced pregnancy and infant loss or a different kind of grief, I hope you walk away from this episode knowing that you may never be the same, but you will be okay. There's hope here, always.   LINKS Previous episodes with Kayla's story of miscarriage/pregnancy loss and infertility:  Episode 8: The Family You Hoped Would Be Episode 14: You Don't Have to Choose Between Grief and Gratitude Episode 34: What to Say (and what not to say) to Your Infertile Friend Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

My dear friend Hannah Clements is a mom who has experienced the loss of her son, Isaiah. She is also a licensed clinical mental health counselor. Her personal story and professional experience make her a wealth of wisdom when it comes to grief, and I'm so grateful to have her back to share some of that wisdom with us today.   Join Hannah and I as we talk about:  what it really looks like to walk through the stages of grief the importance of doing our own grief work, and how that helps us better show up for our people resisting the temptation to isolate in our grief identifying healthy and unhealthy grieving patterns   LINKS Listen to Hannah's previous episodes of The Bitter and the Sweet podcast: Episode 9 and Episode 56 Connect with Hannah on Instagram Connect with Carried Ministries on Instagram Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

How does loss impact our sense of identity? October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month. It's good and right to have a month to remember, but for those of us with babies in Heaven, we know we remember all the time. My dear friend Hannah Clements has walked the hard road of infant loss. God has used her greatest pain to bring something beautiful to our community, and I'm so glad and grateful we get to share it with you today.  Join Hannah and I as we talk about:  Hannah's own story of loss with her son, Isaiah how grief and loss impacts our sense of identity Carried Ministries- Hannah's ministry for loss moms (miscarriage to adult children)  the power of remembering    LINKS Connect with Hannah on Instagram Connect with Carried Ministries on Instagram Listen to Isaiah's story on Episode 9 of The Bitter and the Sweet podcast Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram

We've been talking a lot about identity around here, and today we are digging into who we are in the context of community and why that matters with a new friend of mine, Vivian Mabuni. Vivian has her MA in Biblical Theological Studies from Denver Seminary. She is a wife and mom, national speaker, a cohost of the God Hears Her podcast, and the author of two books, including her debut, Warrior in Pink: Cancer, Community, and the God Who Comforts. As you may have guessed by that debut book title, Vivian is also a breast cancer survivor, and we got to talk about that, as well. Join Vivian and I as we talk about:  the importance of community, and the communal aspects of our faith building trust and safety in relationships the best and worst of female friendship learning how to receive help experiencing God's love through His people God's care in the details    LINKS Connect with Vivian on Instagram Connect with Vivian via her website Get your copy of Open Hands, Willing Heart: Discover the Joy of Saying Yes to God Get your copy of Warrior in Pink: Cancer, Community, and the God Who Comforts Connect with Kayla on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram