The Hidden Rules of Building a Lasting Writing Career with Margaret Feinberg

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Today on Smart Girl Summer, I’m joined by the incredible Becky Thompson—bestselling author and one of the most authentic voices of our generation. Her books, Hope Unfolding and God So Close, have reached millions with their heartfelt truth and undeniable grace.   Becky has this beautiful way of showing up right in the middle of the mess and gently pointing women back to the heart of God. She’s not just another voice online—she’s a soul leader, a deep-feeler, and a truth-teller in a world that loves to filter everything.   If you’ve ever felt the tug to write, to create, to impact others with your words, this episode is your invitation. We’re peeling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a writing career that’s rooted in calling, not clout.   I hope Becky’s words stir something in you. Let’s get into it! Timestamps:  (01:19) - How Becky’s Writing Career Began (05:59) - The Social Media Strategies That Are Actually Working Right Now (10:23) -The Comparison Trap: How Becky Protects Her Mind and Mission (14:15 -Inside Becky’s Content Creation Process (16:48) - Becky’s Go-To Strategies For Staying Productive   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Becky’s Snack Recommendations - Flamin’ Hot Cheetos & Mounds Bar Becky’s Skincare Recommendation - Lancôme Génifique Radiance Anti-Aging Face Serum Becky’s Tool Recommendation - Vimeo Becky’s New Book - Healing Rest I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo,   Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Here’s the good news: You don’t need to hustle harder. You’re not lazy. You’ve just been trying to live without a map—and most women I meet? They’re surviving on duct-taped plans and sheer grit, not thriving on purpose.   I’ve been there. For years, my “weekly plan” looked like a frenzied scrawl on a crumpled Target receipt written with whatever eyeliner I found in the bottom of my purse. If you’ve ever used a diaper coupon as your calendar, you’re in the right place.   I thought the fix was more motivation. A prettier planner. Better morning routine videos. But what I really needed was less striving and more structure—something that didn’t ask me to be Superwoman, just someone who leads her week with clarity.   That’s why I created my weekly action plan—not to micromanage my life, but to anchor it. It gave me the space to breathe, the margin to show up for what actually matters, and the confidence to stop reacting and start leading. It’s simple. It works. And friend, it might just change everything for you, too. Timestamps:  (01:31) - Why Most Weekly Planning Fails (and What to Do Instead) (04:06) - The Sneaky Pitfalls That Sabotage Your Schedule (05:52) - 9 Game-Changing Reflection Questions to Reset Your Week (10:14) - How to Anchor Your Weekly Plan in Faith and Strategy (11:03) - The Simple Next Step That Changes Everything WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:  Alli’s Sunscreen Recommendation - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Mineral Sunscreen   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days   Today on Smart Girl Summer, I'm sitting down with my brilliant friend Jenni Catron—leadership guru, author, and the woman behind the Foresight Group, who'll make you rethink every meeting you've ever sat through.   Jenni doesn't just teach leadership—she lives it with clarity, conviction, and a whole lot of heart. She's here to help us ditch burnout culture and lead with intention (without losing our sanity or soul in the process).   We're talking about what actually fuels productivity (spoiler: it's not longer hours), how to recognize a toxic work vibe before it consumes you, and what to do when you're stuck in one but don't know your next move. Plus, the truth about team culture and why it's not just a buzzword—it's your secret sauce.   If you've ever felt stretched, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted by the pressure to lead well, this one's for you. Jenni's dropping wisdom that'll breathe life back into your leadership and clarity back into your calling. Timestamps:  (02:41) - The Biggest Myths About Leadership (03:46) - A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Life as a Leadership Coach (05:52) -If She Had to Start Over, What Would She Do? (16:50) - How to Stay Productive (Even When Motivation Is Missing) (21:28) - How to Navigate a Toxic Workplace Without Losing Yourself WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Jenni’s Sunscreen Recommendations - Colorescience Tint UV Protective Foundation & Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen Jenni’s Tool Recommendation - ChatGPT   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days   Let me guess. Your eyes aren't even fully open, and your brain is already in a sprint. You've got emails dinging, texts stacking, and notifications shouting for your attention before you've even had your first sip of coffee. Welcome to survival mode. I've been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be.   We wake up and immediately start reacting—scrolling, checking, answering, spinning. And it's not just the big stuff. Somehow, that group chat about gluten-free brownies feels urgent. The world starts talking before we do, and most days, it sets the tone.   But after years of living like that—mentally fried, emotionally scattered—I realized something: the calm, grounded women I admired weren't wired differently. They were choosing differently.   They took charge of their day by setting the tone before the world had a chance to. This simple act of setting a morning intention empowered them to navigate their day with purpose and clarity.   They chose peace over panic, scripture over screens, and purpose over pings. And in that choice, they found a sense of freedom that changed everything.   Today, we're discussing a single decision that could transform the way you present yourself in every room you enter. Living in a constant state of alert was never our destiny. Let's rediscover the relief of quiet. Timestamps:  (00:55) - The Secret of the First Five Minutes That Set Your Whole Day’s Tone (03:00) - Why Morning Momentum Works (03:53) - What Morning Momentum Really Is (06:26) - The Daily Prompts That Help You Focus Fast and Stay Grounded (12:03) - Simple Morning Momentum Steps You Can Start Tomorrow WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Alli’s Skincare Recommendation - The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner Skincare Podcast Episodes: Skincare Secrets Part 1 & Skincare Secrets Part 2 I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. Today I’m joined by Amy Seiffert—pastor, author, seminary student, and mama who’s juggling ministry, motherhood, and manuscripts like a boss (and with a whole lot of grace). She has lived through seasons that refined her and taught her what perseverance truly looks like. And lucky us—she’s bringing all that wisdom to the table. Ever wondered what the road to becoming a published author looks like—not the Instagram-filtered version, but the gritty, God-led, faith-tested one? Amy’s pulling back the curtain and telling it like it is. We’re diving into the world of traditional publishing. What’s amazing? What’s not so glamorous? And what’s that one thing nobody mentions before your book hits the shelves?  Amy's insights are invaluable, and she’s sharing the highs, the hard truths, and the hope behind it all. You won't want to miss a word. You might even want to listen twice.   Timestamps:  (2:38) - How Self-Publishing Opened the Door to a Traditional Book Deal (8:53) - The Time Blocking Strategy That Transformed Her Weekly Workflow (14:03) - The Biggest Mistakes Writers Make (and How to Avoid Them) (20:29) - If She Had to Start Over, What Would She Do? (21:12)- The One Piece of Advice Every Aspiring Writer Needs to Hear   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Amy’s Book Recommendation - Bird by Bird Amy’s Hair Recommendation. - Prose Amy’s Sweet Recommendation - Tru Fru   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   Let me ruffle a few feathers real quick: Hard work isn’t the issue. Direction is. If pure hustle were the magic ticket to success, every deadline-smashing, all-nighter-pulling powerhouse would be running the show.   But we’re not. Instead, we’re grinding like a one-legged cat in a sandbox (seriously, think about that visual) and still wondering why it feels like we’re going nowhere fast.   You've achieved a great deal in your career, and on paper, it appears impressive. But deep down, you might feel like you’re climbing the wrong wall. Maybe you've built a successful business, but it's draining you. Or perhaps you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, hoping they won't come crashing down.   It’s not about being lazy or falling behind. It's about being caught in the burnout loop, a cycle where ambition meets exhaustion and clarity seems to vanish.   Today, we’re naming that loop, calling it what it is, and flipping the script. Clarity isn’t at the bottom of another to-do list—it’s forged when you decide that burnout isn’t your badge of honor anymore. You have the power to change your narrative. Let’s go deep. Let’s get free. You in? Timestamps:   (02:54) - Effort Without Strategy Will Keep You Burned Out and Spinning Your Wheels (04:41) - The Truth About Invisible Work (05:18) - You’ll Never Work Your Way Into Feeling Worthy (06:45) - The Game-Changing Strategy No One’s Talking About to Finally Get Unstuck WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE     Links to great things we discussed:    Alli’s Supplement Recommendations - Pure Encapsulations Quercetin and DAO Enzyme Supplement I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo,   Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   What does it really take to build a powerful, lasting career as a Christian writer and speaker? Today on Smart Girl Summer, I'm joined by one of my heroes—Margaret Feinberg. She's a bestselling author, beloved Bible teacher, and one of the first women who helped crack the door open for the rest of us in ministry. And I don't take that lightly.   With more than 25 years of wisdom (and a few hilarious stories along the way), Margaret gets real about what it takes to build a meaningful, enduring calling. From the early steps that required big faith and tiny budgets, to the mindset that's carried her through the valleys and up the mountains—she shares it all.   So, if you're dreaming of writing, speaking, or just wondering how to stay strong when things feel tough, Margaret's words will stir up that holy grit in your soul. This episode will remind you why you started and what you're capable of, even when things get tough. You're not going to want to miss this.   Timestamps: (02:48) - Margaret’s Journey of Becoming an Author and Speaker (05:45) - Publishing Her First Book (10:15) - Lessons She Has Learned About the Publishing Business (22:21) - If She Had to Start Over, What Would She Do? (24:07) - Common Mistakes She Sees People Making in the Publishing Business WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Margaret’s New Book - The God You Need to Know Margaret’s Travel Recommendation. - BOSE Headphones Margaret’s Skincare Recommendation - Neutrogena Mineral Stick   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days.   I opened my phone to "just check one thing," and suddenly, I was 20 minutes deep in the same echo chamber of highlight reels and hot takes. Everyone's shouting their wins, sharing their "expertise," and looking oh-so-confident doing it.   But the women I actually know? The brilliant, wise, faith-filled world changers who are raising babies, running businesses, and serving with their whole hearts? Crickets.   And here's the thing—it's not because they don't have something to say. They've got degrees, experience, and stories that would drop your jaw and light your soul on fire. But online? They've gone silent. Not because the algorithm is hiding them. Because they're hiding themselves.   We don't have a content problem. We have a visibility problem. So, if you've been playing small, hiding behind the highlight reel, or waiting for a sign, this is it. It's time to show up, not for applause, but for obedience.    Visibility isn't about vanity. It's about being faithful to the assignment you've already been given. Let's talk about how to rise up and step in. This one's for you. Timestamps:   (03:00) -The Invisible Woman Syndrome (05:22) - Why Visibility Works (06:30) - Visibility Blocks That Hold Us Back (09:41) - How to Get Visible Without Feeling Gross WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - THESAEM Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!    xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. You’re in for a treat today, my friend—because we are diving headfirst into the world of big laughs and even bigger dreams. Today’s guest is none other than the fearless and fabulous Jen Fulwiler—bestselling author, stand-up comedian, and powerhouse mama who’s blazing trails (and cracking jokes) in the unlikeliest of places. She’s smart, sassy, and unfiltered—in the best way.   From the moment Jen picks up the mic, she’s not just cracking jokes—she’s cracking open a whole conversation about courage, calling, and what it really takes to chase audacious dreams after diaper duty and dinner cleanup.   She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what touring really looks like in 2025 (spoiler: it’s not all glitz and green rooms), how she’s built a fiercely loyal following, and why email—yes, good old-fashioned email—is her not-so-secret marketing superpower. Her insights on growing an audience with humor, heart, and holy confidence? Game-changing.   So, whether you’re dreaming of launching something bold or need a reminder that you’re not too late and you’re definitely not too much, this conversation is your permission slip to go for it—with a whole lot of laughter and a healthy dose of truth.   Let’s dive in! Timestamps: (07:27) - How Jen Built a Business as a Stand-Up Comedian (10:19) - Why Patreon Is a Game-Changer in Her Business Model (17:04) - The Wild Reason Jen Lived Like a Pirate for a Year! (24:42) - Jen’s Smartest Social Media Secrets (32:53) - How She Consistently Comes Up with Fresh, Engaging Content   WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Jen’s Upcoming Special - Shabby Chic   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉 Don't forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you’re always in the loop. And hey, while you're at it, why not pop over to our YouTube channel and check us out? If you're feeling the love, leave a review and sprinkle some stars—your support truly means the world to me! Take care, and keep shining bright!  xo, Alli

The Uplift app is here! Try it free for 30 days. The way we work is shifting faster than ever. Titles might stay the same, but underneath, everything is changing.   Whether you're part of a corporate structure, managing your own business, or navigating the freelance world, the rules of work are being redefined in real-time.    But take a moment to breathe—you don't need to panic or question your entire professional identity. You don't need to resort to hiding under your desk with a bag of Doritos (although... no judgment if you do). What you do need is a practical, actionable plan.   This episode is your roadmap for what's next. We're here to guide you on how to navigate change with wisdom, how to craft a life that truly fits in this evolving work landscape, and why the future is for those who don't just work harder—they adapt smarter.    If you've been feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply exhausted, I'm offering you a fresh dose of hope—and a plan to step out of this season three steps ahead. Let's prepare you to thrive, be bold, and be ready for the future.  Timestamps: (00:57) -Why the Future of Work Matters More Than Ever (02:20) - The New Rules of Work (08:23) -The Hidden Fear Factor Sabotaging Your Career (09:49) - Why Personal Growth Is Your Greatest Career Move (10:27) - Your Staying Ahead Toolkit for the Shifting Work World WATCH ALLI  ON YOUTUBE   Links to great things we discussed:    Start your Free 30-day trial of Uplift! How Much Can I Charge as a Coach? Quiz Alli’s Makeup Recommendation - Clinique Love Pop Lipstick Join Called Creatives   I hope you loved this episode! 🎉Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss a thing. And guess what? We're on YouTube! If you're loving the content, show us some love by leaving a review and giving us some stars—it means the world to me! Take care, and stay fabulous!    xo, Alli