Work and Play with Nancy Ray
by Nancy Ray
Work and Play with Nancy Ray is a weekly podcast all about learning to balance the two most competing areas of our lives: work and play.She dives into topics like productivity, work life balance, leading a team, time management, contentment, play, sabbath, marriage, parenting, and rest, always pointing back to scripture, the ultimate guide for a life of faith. This is a podcast all about learning to work and play well, which ultimately leads to a healthy soul and a fulfilling life.
Episodes
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336 - 4 Ways to Finish the Year Strong
Life right now is heavy and busy and full and good and I am sure yours is too, but God is faithful and good. I am just here to give you an update about this season of my life, but more importantly than that, I want to share four ways that I am choosing to finish strong and slow down during the...
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335 - Partnering with God in Your Work with Shay Cochrane
Today I have the honor of talking with my longtime friend, Shay Cochrane. Shay and I go way back. She was a wedding photographer before she transitioned into commercial photography. Then she made the SC Stock Shop, which then turned into Èlevae Visuals, and now she leads the lLúme Network, a...
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334 - Dust to Dust with Jen Wilkin
Today, I had the privilege of interviewing Jen Wilkin, a Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. You probably know who Jen is, but in case you don't, she advocates for Bible literacy and has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. I personally have deeply been...
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333 - A Year of the Contentment Challenge
Every January, I take on a Contentment Challenge. 90 days of no shopping to reset my spending and my heart. This year, I've done something a little different. I turned it into a whole year-long practice. Today, I am recording live from the messy middle three quarters of the way through with what...
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332 - Dwelling in Christ with Jon Bailey
Today, I am so excited and honored to share my conversation with Jon Bailey, cofounder of the Dwell Bible audio app and author of Dwelling in Christ. We dive deep into what it means to be walking the threefold path of spiritual transformation that we are all on as followers of Jesus. I hope that...
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331 - Psalm 37, Integrity, & My Summer Health Stack
I am back after a nice, long summer break with my kids. Today, I am sharing some of what God has been showing me. We're going to talk a little bit about Psalm 37:4, about what it looks like to live in integrity, and I'm going to share my summer health stack—all the things that I tried and…
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330 - School Prep + Play (Replay)
Hey friend, today's episode is a replay, and I could not think of a better one to bring back right now. If you are in the thick of back-to-school mode—the supply lists, the new schedules, the mix of excitement and overwhelm—this one is for you. We are talking about school prep and play, and I...
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329 - Summer Play (Replay)
Hey friend, welcome back to Work and Play. Today's a replay episode, and this one is near and dear to my heart. We're talking about summer play, and I think sometimes we all need a little reminder that play is not a reward for finishing your work. It's part of the good life. So grab a cold drink,...
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328 - 250 Years of America!
America turns 250 this month, and I have a lot of feelings about that, but the one that rises to the top is gratitude. I am so grateful to be an American. Today I am celebrating this country I love: her freedoms, her heritage, her beauty, and the God who has been with her from the very beginning....
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327 - Summer Projects (Replay)
Hey friend, quick note before we jump in. Today's episode is a replay, and I handpicked this one because I truly believe the timing is perfect for where a lot of us are right now. We're talking about summer projects—the fun kind, the meaningful kind, the household kind, and everything in between.…
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326 - Sabbath in the Summer
Summer is in full swing, the school year schedule has gone out the window, but Sabbath doesn't have to. Today, I am sharing 5 practical ways that we protect and keep Sabbath throughout our summer, even when it looks like nothing it does during the school year. Past episode about Sabbath Rhythms...
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325 - The Summer Plan (Replay)
Hey friend! Welcome back to Work and Play. Before we dive in, I want to give you a quick heads up that this is a replay episode, and it's one of my favorites. We're talking all about the summer plan. Honestly, this is worth a second listen. Whether you heard it the first time around or you're…
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324 - 5 Fun Books for Summer
If you are a reader or you have been wanting to read more this summer, today's episode is for you. I'm sharing five books either that I'm currently loving or that I have already read and would highly recommend. Perfect for your summer reading list. Resources from this episde: The Happy Life of...
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323 - Your Enneagram Summer Plan with Amy Wicks
I am so excited to share this conversation that I had with Amy Wicks. She is a certified faith-based enneagram coach, speaker, author, and the founder of Simply Wholehearted. She helps women, mamas, and entrepreneurs use the enneagram, but she combines it with a faith-based perspective. She...
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322 - Prayers for Mamas of Littles
We have made it to the end of May is for Mamas, and today is our last Friday minisode. It is full of prayers for mamas with littles. Resources from this episode: Every Moment Holy, Volume III by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Rhythms Reset Discount + Coaching Giveaway Entry Send Nancy an audio message!...
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321 - Sleep Training, Co-Sleeping, Breastfeeding : Q&A with Nancy
Today's episode is going to be a really fun Q&A episode where I get to answer your questions about motherhood. Resources from this episode: Legacy Photo System Discount + Coaching Giveaway Entry Discipline training from Family Team Podcast Potty training system Send Nancy an audio message! Dwell...
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320 - Believe it For Your Motherhood with Abbey Wedgeworth
In today's May is for Mamas Friday minisode, I had my friend Abbey come and share a very small, but powerful portion from her book. It's called "Believe it for your Motherhood" and she ends with a call and response question and answer time you can do with your kids. It's so good and I think…
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319 - A Conversation with My Sister : Mama of 7
Today, I have the absolute privilege of speaking with my favorite podcast guest this month, my sister. She is a mom to seven and her name is Mary Lindsey Blanton. She has children ranging in age from 2 all the way up to 18. She has tons of years of experience, she loves the Lord, and has so much...
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318 - This is How We Live with Hope + A Blessing for Parenting
Welcome to another Friday minisode of May is for Mamas. Today, I am inviting back my friend Kimberly. You heard from her last Friday and she is going to read two more blessings over you. I love these two. The first is called "This is How we Live with Hope" and the second is "A Blessing for...
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317 - Gospel Centered Motherhood with Abbey Wedgeworth
This week in May is for Mamas, I have the privilege of sitting down with a dear friend and sister in Christ, Abbey Wedgeworth. She just released a book called "Help! I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change." This conversation is so gospel-centered and so...
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316 - A Blessing for the Month of May with Kimberly Knowle-Zeller
Every Friday in May is for Mamas, I am going to be sharing a blessing or a special bonus interview. It's going to be a short and sweet word of encouragement. To kick it off, I have a sweet interview today with a new friend, Kimberly Knowle-Zeller, who has written an amazing book of blessings. She...
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315 - Family Catechisms with Raeanne Johnson
On this first episode of May is for Mamas, I have mental health expert and real-life friend Raeanne Johnson joining me and we are going to be sharing all about family catechisms. Resources from this episode: New City Catechisms Ephesians 4:29 Legacy Photo System Discount + Coaching Giveaway Entry...
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314 - 10 Things I Do to Play
We are closing out April with the most fun episode of the month. Today I am sharing 10 ways for play. 10 ways I love to play. I hope by the end of this one, you're inspired to protect more space for play in your own life too. Resources from this episode: Work & Play Episode 306 : 1,000 Hours...
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313 - 10 Things Helping Me in My Work
Today I am going to share with you how I actually get work done as a mom of 5 with very limited hours. These are 10 things that help me most and I think you're going to love them. Resources from this episode: Work & Play Episode 311 : 10 Things That Are Growing My Faith Work & Play Episode 312 :...
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312 - 10 Things I'm Loving in My Home
Today is a fun one! I am sharing ten things that I genuinely love in my home right now. Things I use every day, things that have made my life simpler or healthier or just more joyful. I hope you find something on this list that is helpful for you. Resources from this episode: The best glass food...
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311 - 10 Things That Are Growing My Faith
Today kicks off the month of April for the Work & Play podcast! I am super excited about this little series that I have come up with which is ten things. Each episode this month, I am going to be sharing ten things with you. In today's episode, I'm sharing ten things that are growing my faith....
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310 -The 13th Week
Right now, as you're listening to this episode, we are smack in the middle of something kind of special. It's called "the 13th week." If you've never heard of it before, by the end of this episode, you're going to want to make it a permanent part of how you live your life. Resources from this...
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309 - Abundance, Stewardship, and Batching
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Corinthians 9:8. Today, we're going to talk about abundance, we're going to talk about stewardship, and we're going to talk about how I batch my time....
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308 - You're In Good Company with Ashlee Gadd
My friend Ashlee Gadd is joining me on the Work and Play podcast today to talk about a new collaborative book that she is spearheading called, "You're In Good Company." It is a book on friendship, motherhood, hospitality, and showing up. I can't wait for you to hear our conversation. Resources…
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307 - Decluttering with Authority and Abundance
Today's episode might surprise you because I'm going to be talking about decluttering, but not in the way that you might expect. What I think is happening in our homes physically is connected with what's happening in us spiritually. So let's talk about what it looks like to declutter with…
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306 - 1,000 Hours Outside : The Hard Parts No One Talks About
Today I want to talk about something that I have been absolutely loving with my kids this year. It's the 1,000 hours outside challenge. I want to get into the hard parts, the real parts, and why I truly believe your nervous system is begging you to step outside. Resources from this episode: 1,000...
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305 - Winter Rhythms
Winter can feel long and slow and February especially can feel like an eternity sometimes. Today I am sharing the daily and weekly rhythms that are working for me right now and how I'm making the most of this season before transitioning into spring. Resources from this episode: Claude AI Trello...
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304 - My 2026 Reading List + The Nancy Ray Book Club is Back!
Alright, the Nancy Ray Book Club is back! It's time for one of my favorite episodes of the year : my reading list. If you love books, you are going to love today's episode. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Book Club Dwell Bible App Discount The Body Teaches the Soul by Justin Whitmel Earley...
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303 - Unfrumping Myself
Today we're talking about something I mentioned last week: unfrumping myself. If you've ever felt like you are living in workout clothes and you never actually workout or maybe you generally feel like you look homeless all the time, this episode is for you. Resources from this episode: Send Nancy...
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302 - My Goals for 2026
Happy February, friend! Today I am pulling back the curtain and sharing my goals for 2026. There are only eight of them. Some are practical, some are personal, and all of them are shaping how I'm approaching this year. So let's dive in. Resources from this episode: Rhythms Reset Dwell Bible App...
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301 - State of the Podcast 2026
Hello friend and welcome back to Work and Play with Nancy Ray! I'm Nancy, your host, and today we are doing something that I love doing every January, which is the State of the Podcast episode. This is where I get to look back at last year, celebrate some fun moments, and also share what I'm...
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300 - Episode 300!
Well friend, I've made it all the way to episode 300 and today's episode is a Q&A with my listeners. I'm so excited! Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount Episode 223 : I Read the Bible in a Month Episode 232 : A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 1 Episode 233 : A Year of...
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299 - 3 Prayers for Christmas
Merry Christmas! Can you believe we are here?! This episode is a little different. I am going to be sharing three really beautiful prayers that you can listen to as you'd like this week. One prayer is for the start of the Christmas season. Another is for the preparation of a meal and another is…
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298 - My Favorite Books from 2025
Today I'm sharing all about my favorite books from 2025. Resources from this episode: Every Moment Holy Rhythms Reset Nancy Ray Book Club Work & Play Episode 266 : 2025 Book List On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei The Opt-Out...
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297 - 4 Reasons You Should Consider Doing the Contentment Challenge
You may have heard of my Contentment Challenge where I give up shopping for anything extra in my life for three months straight. Today's episode, I want to challenge and encourage you with four reasons you might consider doing the Contentment Challenge in 2026. Resources from this episode: The...
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296 - My 12 Week Year Planning Process
Are you feeling like you need some encouragement as you are looking ahead to 2026? Do you love planning your year or maybe not so much? Do you need a good look at the rhythms in your life that serve you, bring you closer to the Lord, and ultimately help you carry out God's assignment for you?…
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295 - The Great Kids Clutter Clean Out
This episode is for the mom who is overwhelmed by all the stuff in your house. All the kids' toys, clutter, stuffed animals, and tiny pieces. I see you. I am you. Maybe you can pop in some earbuds and just be encouraged today. You are not alone. This is part of our duty as mamas to take care of…
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294 - Gratitude : An Episode for the Whole Family
I'm doing something new today and I have made an episode for the whole family. So you don't have to listen to this in your earbuds. You can push "play" while you're riding in the car and listen because this is all about thanksgiving and how we can practice gratitude. Melody Beattie said…
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293 - 7 Weekend Rhythms We Live By
During the week, we work, but during the weekends, we play. Today's episode is all about seven weekend rhythms that we live by. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount Shabbat Candles Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Art for Kids Hub The Family Teams Podcast…
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292 - 40 for 40 with Will Ray
My incredible husband, Will, turns 40 today and I am so excited to have him on the podcast! He is going to give you forty pieces of wisdom for his 40th birthday, or as we like to call it, "40 for 40 will Will Ray." Resources from this episode: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson Episode 070…
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291 - 10 Ways I'm Using AI to Simplify My Life
Today I'm talking about ten ways that I am using AI to simplify my life. Resources from this episode: ChatGPT Grok Plugged In Common Sense Media Send Nancy an audio message! Dwell Bible App Discount Rhythms Reset Join my email list! Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on...
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290 - Share the Arrows
Last week I had the opportunity to go to Share the Arrows which is a conference put on by Allie Beth Stuckey. Today's episode is a recap of all the things I learned at that conference. Resources from this episode: Share the Arrows Conference Dwell Bible App Discount Carly Jean Los Angeles A'del...
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No Podcast This Week
Hey there! You're in the right place for Work & Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (October 14th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week!
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289 - Fall Favorites
Today's episode is going to be light and fun. It's all about my fall favorites! Resources from this episode: Send Nancy an Audio Message! Work & Play Episode 250 - 20 Things for Fall Trader Joes Pumpkin Muffin Mix My Favorite Biker Shorts North Carolina State Fair I Just Wish I Had a Bigger…
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288 - 3 Weekly Rhythms Worth Fighting For
Today I am going to talk about things that I'm really passionate about, which are three rhythms that I cannot do without every single week. Weekly planning, weekly wrap up, and a Sabbath. Resources from this episode: 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam Work & Play Weekly Checklist Rhythms Reset What's...
About this show
Work and Play with Nancy Ray is a weekly podcast all about learning to balance the two most competing areas of our lives: work and play.She dives into topics like productivity, work life balance, leading a team, time management, contentment, play, sabbath, marriage, parenting, and rest, always pointing back to scripture, the ultimate guide for a life of faith. This is a podcast all about learning to work and play well, which ultimately leads to a healthy soul and a fulfilling life.
Hosted by
Nancy Ray
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