How to Stay Optimistic (Even Now) | David Butler

Family history can sound intimidating, overwhelming, or even a little old-fashioned. But Lisa’s conversation with professional genealogist Aimee Cross might just change your mind. Aimee, creator of the popular YouTube channel Ancestry Aimee, shares simple, meaningful ways to start discovering your family’s stories without needing hours of free time or expert-level research skills. For more of Aimee's work be sure to check out her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AimeeCrossGenealogyHints

So many of us imagined a more creative version of ourselves, only to grow up and find ourselves struggling to find the time to even begin. Lisa talks with bestselling author and teacher Ally Condie about what creativity really looks like in the middle of busy, imperfect lives. Together, they explore perfectionism, gratitude, and why creativity doesn’t require ideal conditions to matter. It’s an honest, hopeful conversation for anyone trying to make something beautiful while juggling real life. Check out more of Ally's work at her website: https://www.allycondie.com/

If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. According to efficiency expert Megan Sumrell of "The Pink Bee," the problem might not be your schedule, but how you’re managing it. Lisa sits down with Megan to explore why traditional time management systems often fall short and how a simple shift like planning your week with rest as a requirement, not a reward, can make all the difference. It’s a practical, encouraging conversation about finding more time, reducing stress, and building a routine that actually works for your real life. For more of Megan's work, be sure to check out her website: https://www.megansumrell.com/

Feeling optimistic can be hard--especially in a world that gets increasingly complicated. David Butler joins Lisa to explore where real optimism comes from, how we can hold onto it, and the small things we can say or do that will make all the difference to our worldviews. This episode is a hopeful, practical look at choosing to see the good and finding more of it than you expected.

Think travel has to cost thousands? Think again. Budget travel expert Jilene Brady joins Lisa to break down how she flies her family around the world for a fraction of the listed price. From scoring cheap fares to making credit card points actually make sense, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you see more of the world without draining your bank account. For more travel deals be sure to check out Jilene's Instagram: @thetravelingdeals

Have you ever felt stuck while waiting for something to happen? Nonprofit leader Stacey Hofman of Ghana Make a Difference joins Lisa to share how an unexpected season of being stranded far from home became the start of something bigger than she ever planned. This episode is a reminder that even in limbo, small acts of good can ripple outward in ways we never imagined. For more of Stacey's work check out her Ghana Make a Difference: https://www.instagram.com/ghana_make_a_difference?igsh=enRndGo1bGVtcTJt&utm_source=qr

Clutter has a way of quietly taking over our time, energy, and attention. Author and entrepreneur Katy Wells joins Lisa to reframe what it really means to declutter and how to do it in simple, realistic steps. This episode invites you to see decluttering as an investment in a more peaceful, intentional life. You might be surprised how much you get back by giving a few things away. For more of Katy's work be sure to check out her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells/ Be sure to check out Katy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Home-Your-Happy-Place/dp/1400348218/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2Z2F1EJMF09A8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3i6bX_2CuVaI_EI5AmbZf8EE9h6eXNpaT29OJ9u42utbEXPHchhBKntMxInkldlOX9RLX4agfWdwP3p_K7SfD5EqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.q5G7bRfqcEbt5q6MoBlr_RBfQH7lskAIiDpt5XkLi3Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=making+home+your+happy+place+katy+joy+wells&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1775585648&sprefix=katy+wells+h%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2

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/