Skip to content
The Brilliant Pause podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

The Brilliant Pause

by Jessie Elenbaas

This podcast helps you slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to the good, the true and the now so you can LOVE this life YOU live. Each SEASON is different, reflecting themes of rest, hope and listening.SEASON 4 - Become a Jedi of Attentiveness to your life, fighting the dark side of distraction and reclaiming freedom and joySEASON 3 - Be inspired by listening to The Door Before Joy -- a memoir about spiritual transformation found in times of uncertainty and waiting.SEASON 2 - Calling all moms! Refuel your often-empty tank by pausing to meet the needs of your self & spirit. SEASON 1 - Are you feeling burnt out? Find refreshing reasons to pause so you can be more present to your life and create an INTENTION FOR CHANGE. Love what you hear? Follow this podcast and share it with your friends and family. You will also enjoy reading Jessie's blog, Unforced Rhythms, which focuses on the transformational power of listening. Thanks for being here. I want you to love your

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 12, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Looking for Light in Dark Times

    When worry, stress and uncertainty make life feel heavy, where do you go to find hope and renewal? Where can you find light in dark times? If what Jesus said was true - about being the light of the world - why does the world look so bleak? Take a deep dive into spiritual questions with podcast...

  2. When Friendships Fail, Try This

    If sharing your feelings in a friendship - or any close relationship - is hard, you're not alone. In this episode, I share what I learned after a difficult conversation led to a friendship explosion. But it was where I go to find peace that I hope will encourage you when life and love don't go as...

  3. Try This to Fill the Void

    Are you tired? Weary? Burned out on religion? Tune in. Thirst can be more than a physical thing. What is the thing you resort to when boredom strikes, when dreams die, when life feels out of control? In this episode - we look at the thirsts of the soul and what Jesus offers to meet us right where...

  4. 5 Ways to Activate Your Spiritual Life

    Do you ever feel like your faith has flatlined? You believe in God, but something is missing? In this episode, you'll discover a metaphor that will help you see your spiritual life in a new way. And I'll share 5 ways to activate the Holy Spirit life inside of you. This podcast is for busy humans...

  5. On Suffering, Joy and the Light We Need

    Whether this is a season of joy or sorrow for you, light is needed to see, celebrate and get through trying times. No matter your current circumstances, there's a calling to remember - a calling that will carry you when life feels heavy and give HOPE to those who are suffering. This is a podcast...

  6. Living in the FREEDOM of God

    Living attentively includes paying attention to your soul - llstening for God's Spirit to speak. In this episode, learn what awareness of God's Kingdom has to do with living freely. And discover how Adam and Eve triggered the first self-help strategy. Learn from Jesus why suffering is necessary…

    more
  7. When at a crossroads, what voice do you listen to?

    You stand at a crossroads. Neither choice looks good, easy, or like what you expected? What do you do? In today's Jedi training, we'll explore 3 voices you can listen to - each influencing the decision you make in a different way. We'll also talk about why your DISAPPOINTMENT is a teacher. As I...

  8. For more JOY do this...

    Has life lost its fervor? Do you feel like something's missing, but you aren't sure what it is? Do you feel disconnected from what brings you joy? In season 4, become a Jedi of Attentiveness. In this episode, you'll learn a mindset that cultivates awareness for where you spend your time, showing...

  9. A Helpful Strategy for Waiting

    In Season 4, we'll focus on becoming Jedis of Attentiveness so we can experience more freedom and joy, greater connection with ourselves, those around us and with the life force known as God. Our Jedi training today hones in on a strategy that will help you in times of waiting. It'll also…

    more
  10. Interview with Mike Labrum about the benefits of SPIRITUAL DIRECTION for going deeper with God

    If you're thirsty for SOMETHING MORE THAN RELIGION and want to know God in a deeper way, you'll love this organic conversation with Mike Labrum, who is a Pastor and Spiritual Director. And if you're thinking, what the heck is spiritual direction?...you're in the right place. Get cozy, take a deep...

  11. Interview with Melissa Robertson about why Jesus was a FEMINIST and the importance of change (in all things)

    In this insightful interview, Melissa Robertson takes listeners on her journey from conservative Christianity to an inclusive, evolving faith. With her extensive repertoire of reading, Melissa paints a refreshing picture of feminism and shares why she thinks Jesus was a feminist. We also discuss...

  12. Interview with Shane Rossow on finding purpose, being gay and how God has shaped his lens

    In this vulnerable conversation about what it means to live authentically and find purpose, Shane Rossow opens up about his evolving faith journey and how it shaped his lens of being gay. Shane provides encouragement to both kids and parents who might be struggling with what to do once a family...

  13. Interview with Teresa about healing through CREATIVITY and reflecting on FAITH journeys

    Reflecting on the four stages of uncertainty, artist Teresa Elenbaas opens up about the importance of CREATIVITY in the midst of CHAOS and DESERT seasons. In a vulnerable discussion of the healing benefits of creativity, you'll come away feeling INSPIRED to create and see that it's never a waste…

    more
  14. S3: CH 38-40 May it Be, NO STRINGS, The Carpenter's Way, EPILOGUE

    How does listening impact true understanding and decision-making? What does it mean to live in the freedom of God, even with our identity? What is the "door" before joy, really? And in the epilogue, I'll give you a metaphor for uncertainty that can help whenever you stand at your next crossroads....

  15. S3: CH 35-37 Like a Child, BENT out of SHAPE, Driver's Seat

    Why is going back to the basics of faith important? How can flaws become beautiful? And how does listening for Jesus's voice impact making decisions? These questions and more are explored in Chapters 35-37 of The Door Before Joy, the story we are reading in season 3. It's a true story about the...

  16. S3: CH 32-34 The BURN, What a little LIGHT can do, KNOCK-KNOCK

    How did the beginning of the pandemic spark insight into four stages of uncertainty? What light shines brightest in darkness? And what show prompted a total rethink of Jesus's role in a faith journey. This and more will be discussed in CH 32-34 of The Door Before Joy, a faith journey through...

  17. S3: CH 29-31 Birds and Branches, REMEMBER, Fly

    What can a different "call" look like? What's the benefit of remembering when it comes to taking steps in an unknown direction? And what does it mean to live in the FREEDOM of GOD? These are a few questions that arise in Chapters 29-31 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about…

    more
  18. S3: CH 25-28 Dear God, WTF?, DOOM'S EVE, Yes or No, UP

    How does a story about JOY start in frustration? What did the end of 2019 bring? What is the moment that presents the door? And what is required to walk through it? These are the concluding chapters in the DESERT stage of The Door Before Joy- a true story about journeying through uncertainty…

    more
  19. S3: CH 22-24 WEEDS, Shifting Sand, WRESTLING

    Why the conundrum with church? What's so important about the MIDDLE of anything? And what to do when God isn't giving you what you ask for? These are a few of that arise during Chapters 22-24 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like...

  20. S3: CH 19-21 False Start, 40, REBUILDING

    How is waiting in faith like Halloween? Why the great expectations for turning 40? And what's the benefit of taking something apart? These are some of the questions we ponder in this episode, which introduces stage three of the journey. In The Door Before Joy, I take you through four stages of...

  21. S3: CH 16-18 Picnic by the River, PLEASURE awakened, OPEN

    True Rest. Where to find it? And how did this podcast begin? These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 16-18 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3. In this story, I discover four…

    more
  22. S3: CH 13-15 New Rhythms, Close Encounters of a NEW KIND, Soul Surgery

    Leaving a career and plunging into the unknown comes with new rhythms--the good, the bad and the surprising--as questions of what gives IDENTITY and PURPOSE emerge. And is it possible to encounter God in a new, intimate way? These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 13-15 of The...

  23. S3: CH 10-12 Try Again, TREASURE, Outside-In

    How does a life-long "Christian" connect with God in a new way? And when leaving a cherished career, what is the true treasure? These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 10-12 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading…

    more
  24. S3: Ch 7-9 The Lens We Choose, Thirsty, SEEDS

    Do you wear FAITH GLASSES that your parents gave you or do you see things differently? Who are the "thirsty people?" And what kinds of seeds come from family? These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 7-9 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through...

  25. S3: CH 4-6 - When Life Demands a Pause, WEB, Beauty and the Breakdown

    When life doesn't go the way you planned, then what? How does STRESS change you? And when you get to the end of your rope, who catches you? These are a few of the questions that arise in Chapters 4-6 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am...

  26. Season 3- The Door Before Joy - INTRO, CH 1- 3 All Aboard, The BIG One, LEMONS

    In season 3, we explore the UPSIDE of UNCERTAINTY through story-telling. I'll read The Door Before Joy (formerly known as Dear God, WTF?). It's a true story about four stages of uncertainty I discovered while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition, leading to a new...

  27. Season Finale: It all comes down to this and you're worth it!

    If this is the only episode you listen to all season, it's worth it. Cuz YOU are worth it--shining your light! And, as moms, it's important we do so, not only for our children, but for ourselves. In this season finale, we explore what it means to be shepherds to our sheep. I also summarize what...

  28. Food is medicine, Thanksgiving tips, the importance of loving what you do and more- interview with Amanda Jones of Sensitive Functional Foods

    Australian native, nutritionist and naturopath Amanda Jones gives us the skinny on how food is medicine. Not only does she give her top 3 Thanksgiving tips in this episode, but she gives great life advice especially when it comes to living with intention and believing in yourself no matter how…

    more
  29. Sometimes the dream surfaces after the need's been met- interview with Melissa Robertson

    We're talking with Melissa Robertson, #ladybossmom, who started Pepita's Preschool in her community because she saw a need and knew she could fill it. In this interview, she shares how starting a preschool wasn't her dream job, but now that she's built a great school a dream has surfaced within…

    more
  30. Which voice are you listening to when making decisions? interview with Karen Hogan of True Essence Seattle

    We're sitting down with Karen Hogan, a momma pal who recently left the corporate world to follow her heart's cry to trust her talent and open her own business. What fear did she have to silence in order to make this move? And did this decision help her find better work-family balance at home?…

    more
  31. Identity Crisis or Invitation to express yourself? The mom-work struggle (part 2)

    We're continuing the important discussion surrounding the mom-work-balance-struggle. We take a closer look at how your personality type impacts the decisions you make regarding work; moreover, we dive deeper into the unique design of who you were created to be so you can discover the artistic...

  32. Tug-of-Work: the mom struggle (part 1)

    "To work or not to work, that is the question" (for moms). In this episode, we look at the labels of "working moms" and "stay at home moms" and how we all wrestle with the same questions no matter which tribe we fall into. Moreover, no matter what we decide when it comes to work, no one's got it...

  33. These 6 check-ins will do wonders for you, woman!

    Give yourself permission to say YES to what serves you and NO to what no longer does. Cuz when you check-in with how you're feeling in these 6 important areas of life, it'll do wonders for you woman! And you are worth it! More joy, more peace and more confidence...it's meant to be yours.

  34. How to keep connection thriving in marriage- the roadblocks and repair kits

    We're exploring three roadblocks that often get in the way of keeping connection open within marriage. You'll also receive tools to work on or repair the walls that have been built so you can get back to doing the journey together, as a team. Keeping marriage healthy takes work and regular...

  35. How your body relationship impacts your Orgasms

    There are different spheres of influence that shape our body narrative. In this episode, we take a look at how our relationship to our body impacts our ability to feel free in our bodies, which, impacts our ability to have an orgasm. And, ladies, orgasms are as important to your health as using...

  36. What season are you in?

    Motherhood has distinct seasons. Once you know the one you're currently in, you'll feel better equipped to move through it as well as embrace its beautiful moments before the next season begins. Because "this too shall pass." So, what's your season? Knowing will help you get the most out of your...

  37. How to survive in the Mom'hood

    We're here to find peace amidst our busy lives but it looks different in season 2. Our brilliant pause will now help moms embrace the beautiful chaos which is motherhood by pausing for self & spirit. In this episode, we explore techniques to help us survive in the Mom'hood. Together.

  38. Enough Already- Season 1 Finale

    We're wrapping up season 1 by exploring treasured tips from Kate Northrup's book DO LESS. How can doing LESS help you enjoy life MORE? How can we understand our most meaningful 20% of all the things we have "to do" in life and prioritize what's truly important? Get ready to slow down, take a…

    more
  39. Tyrion Lannister said it best and it'll help you remember

    Whether or not you're a fan of Game of Thrones, what Tyrion Lannister said in the season finale is a game changer for how we share life together. This brilliant pause will help you remember. But remember what or who? Tune in to find out!

  40. Back to the basics of PAUSITIVITY

    Secret's out. This is one of my faves because it demonstrates the power of a pause. Especially in the midst of our stress-fueled go-go-gadget lives. If you're swimming in any kind of stress and hurry right now, tune in and experience what PAUSITIVITY can do for you. Cuz YOU ARE WORTH IT!

  41. Interview with Christine Ianni (part 2)- All things Female & Fab

    Christine, founder of Crown and Cave, and I continue our important conversation about women, the walls we build up for ourselves and how we can break them down to see how we're all ONE. We touch base on spirituality, meditation, hunger, being at peace with yourself, jumping off the judgement…

    more
  42. Interview with Christine Ianni- Being GROUNDED in all things FEMALE (part 1)

    It's EARTH DAY so I'm talking with my friend, Christine Ianni, founder of Crown and Cave about how she's "grounding" herself after a few identity shifts as a woman on a journey of motherhood and self discovery. Basically, if you're female, tune in. It's like a Sex in the City episode so nothing…

    more
  43. Which BOX do you need to break FREE from? WARNING: Fragile content

    We put unrealistic expectations on ourselves, getting stuck in boxes labeled by what our culture says will bring us value. We'll break down the boxes called Shape, Success and Spirituality. WARNING: content may be controversial, but it's shared with love (and from my experience). Cuz you're meant...

  44. Cancer SUCKS and yet-- interview with Mike Ferreri

    When cancer strikes, it forces life to PAUSE. Mike Ferreri, Komo 4 News Sports Anchor, shares his heart about his wife's battle with breast cancer. Cuz when life throws you a curve ball, you can either drop the bat or keep on swing'n. This episode's a life-changer. Cuz it'll inspire you to find...

  45. That THING you need MORE of

    If you're in a "funk" today, this episode's gonna be like "uptown funk you up." Thanks, Bruno Mars. And whether or not you learned how to express yourself through dancing, it's true that you can't fake joy when you dance like you can fake other things (wink, wink). Cultures where dancing is a…

    more
  46. Interview with Brad Evans- life after pro soccer, transition teaching moments and the gift of being present

    You're in for a treat! We're hearing from recently retired pro soccer player, Brad Evans, on life after the MLS. We discuss big life transitions and how that impacts identity. He also shares what Coach Sigi Schmidt taught him that he'll carry into this next chapter of life off the soccer field.…

    more
  47. How to make an impact and take risks that matter - interview with Mark Davis

    In my first interview with Mark Davis, we discuss the brilliant pause he went through that made him leave his corporate job to start his own company: Hero Creative. We also talk about working parent struggles, losing those we love, the importance of self-care and what it means to make an impact…

    more
  48. You deserve a Mental Massage

    Relax, breathe and get ready to feel restored. You're doing the best you can. And sometimes that still doesn't feel like enough, so we're digging past the day to day mundane to let our stresses surface in order to release them and regain a sense of peace and appreciation for our life. Since I…

    more
  49. Food for Thought with a Twist of Wine

    We'll break down our wonky relationship to food and adult beverages with the intention of bringing mindfulness back to how we enjoy both. I'll share tips for easy, healthy dinners at the end of the episode as well to help answer that age old question: What's for dinner?

  50. Instagrati-F'what?

    We're divulging "that thing" some see as the American dream...the "quick fix" to happiness...Instagrati-F'what? But what if it's really a handicap for our culture? Today we'll take lessons from the Karate Kid and Bohemian Rhapsody that'll definitely be "worth the wait."

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

This podcast helps you slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to the good, the true and the now so you can LOVE this life YOU live. Each SEASON is different, reflecting themes of rest, hope and listening.SEASON 4 - Become a Jedi of Attentiveness to your life, fighting the dark side of distraction and reclaiming freedom and joySEASON 3 - Be inspired by listening to The Door Before Joy -- a memoir about spiritual transformation found in times of uncertainty and waiting.SEASON 2 - Calling all moms! Refuel your often-empty tank by pausing to meet the needs of your self & spirit. SEASON 1 - Are you feeling burnt out? Find refreshing reasons to pause so you can be more present to your life and create an INTENTION FOR CHANGE. Love what you hear? Follow this podcast and share it with your friends and family. You will also enjoy reading Jessie's blog, Unforced Rhythms, which focuses on the transformational power of listening. Thanks for being here. I want you to love your

HOSTED BY

Jessie Elenbaas

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Brilliant Pause have?

The Brilliant Pause currently has 65 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Brilliant Pause about?

This podcast helps you slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to the good, the true and the now so you can LOVE this life YOU live. Each SEASON is different, reflecting themes of rest, hope and listening.SEASON 4 - Become a Jedi of Attentiveness to your life, fighting the dark side of...

How often does The Brilliant Pause release new episodes?

The Brilliant Pause has 65 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Brilliant Pause?

You can listen to The Brilliant Pause on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Brilliant Pause?

The Brilliant Pause is created and hosted by Jessie Elenbaas.
URL copied to clipboard!