How to Celebrate with Less Pressure and More Joy

Art can change the way we see the Savior if we slow down long enough to really look. Religion professor and artist Anthony Sweat joins Lisa to explore how sacred art can deepen our connection to Jesus Christ, especially during Easter. From considering classic works like those by Rembrandt to creating something of your own, this episode invites you to be more intentional in how you “behold the Lamb of God.” You might be surprised what just a few quiet minutes with a painting can teach you. To see more of Anthonys work, check out his website: https://www.anthonysweat.com/

He made us laugh as Dwight Schrute, but what does Rainn Wilson care about when the cameras are off? In this conversation with Lisa, Rainn opens up about building a life that feels whole. Rainn shares how creativity, faith, family, and work aren’t separate roles but deeply connected parts of the same journey. Along the way, he reflects on fatherhood, purpose, and the ongoing pursuit of a more integrated, meaningful life.  For more on Rainn's work, be sure to check out his book and podcast: https://www.soulboom.com/

Food advice is everywhere, and all that noise can make something as simple as eating feel complicated. Katie Miller, author of the "How-to Guide to Happy Eating," helps people step back from the pressure and rethink their relationship with food by focusing on balance, nourishment, and listening to their own bodies. In this conversation with Lisa, Katie shares why healthy eating doesn’t require perfection, trendy ingredients, or influencer-level meal prep. For more of Katie's work, be sure to check out her website: https://plantedhabits.com/

What if one of the most important roles you’ll ever play… is one you never officially get? John Bytheway has spent decades teaching and encouraging youth and families, often without ever using the word “mentor.” In this conversation with Lisa, he shares why mentoring is about listening, noticing people’s strengths, and showing up when it matters. You don't have to have all the answers. Be sure to check out John's podcast "FollowHIM": https://followhim.co/

What if the most powerful thing you could give someone isn’t advice or money, but a story? Lisa sits down with Sam Payne, host of The Apple Seed—a story telling podcast on BYU Radio—to explore why storytelling shapes our family culture, strengthens relationships, and helps us understand who we are. Together, they reflect on the healing power of telling stories about those we’ve loved and lost, and why storytelling belongs to all of us. Be sure to check out The Apple Seed: https://www.byuradio.org/the-apple-seed

When violence strikes close to home, the grief feels different. It can feel heavier, more personal, and harder to shake. Lisa sits down with Emma McAdam, licensed therapist and founder of "Therapy in a Nutshell," to talk about how to cope with collective trauma in a 24/7 news cycle. Together they explore emotional resilience, intentional media consumption, and why healing ourselves first is the most powerful way to help our communities heal. Be sure to check out Therapy in a Nutshell: https://therapyinanutshell.com/

When someone you love questions or walks away from their faith, it can feel deeply personal and deeply unsettling. Lisa sits down with Dr. Jared Halverson, a scholar of American religious history and faith loss, to talk about how to respond when faith crises show up in our families and friendships. Together, they explore why belief journeys look different for everyone, how to keep spiritual differences from becoming relationship fractures, and why the most Christlike response may start with tending to our own faith and not trying to fix someone else’s.

Even the strongest marriages hit slumps, and, no, it doesn’t always mean you’re doing it wrong. Lisa talks with clinical psychologist and marriage researcher Dr. Scott Braithwaite about why dips in marital satisfaction are normal and what actually helps couples move through them. With six practical, research-backed strategies, they explore how to break unhealthy patterns, communicate more effectively, and reconnect by focusing on the most important foundation of all: friendship.

Who are the people behind the headlines? Lisa sits down with political scientist and longtime friend Wendy Pearlman to talk about how personal relationships shape the way we understand conflict. Between reminiscing over “poptarts and politics” in Lincoln, Nebraska, and diving into Wendy’s life work--studying the experiences of Syrian refugees, Lisa and Wendy explore what it really means to see the people affected by political conflict and turmoil. Together, they reflect on blind spots, empathy, and why meaningful change often starts with simple, human acts like listening well, asking questions, and choosing kindness. For more about Wendy and her books be sure to check out her website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/wendypearlman/

Lisa sits down with happiness researcher and author Michelle McCullough to explore the science of happiness. Michelle explains why happiness isn’t something we feel when hard things end, but something that helps us get through the hard things. Together they unpack what the research says about joy, the power of belief, and the simple, practical skills that can help us live happier lives right now.