36. Ruth Chou Simons: The Secret to an Unhurried Life (Even When You’re Busy)

Former Miss New York turned military wife, mom of three, and declutter guru, Shannon Leyko has lived about a dozen lives in thirty-seven years — and every one of them has taught her something about freedom, faith, and what really matters.In this episode, Shannon shares her story of walking away from a fear-based religion, rediscovering God’s grace, and learning to live a decluttered life — not because she loves minimalism, but because she wants her heart, home, and habits to align with her values.We talk about how letting go of excess can become a spiritual practice, how overconsumption quietly becomes idolatry, and why true freedom often begins with what we choose to release.In this episode:How losing her mom led Shannon closer to JesusLiving without excess so your values lead your home — not your stuffWhen possessions become our security or identityShannon’s journey out of legalism and into graceWhy faith sometimes means slowing down and focusing smallHow personal faithfulness creates ripple effects in the world✨ This one will leave you breathing easier, more grounded, and freshly focused on what truly matters.✨ Connect with Shannon Leyko: 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/paring_down/ 🎙️ Podcast → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paring-down-realistic-minimalism-decluttering-intentional/id1713108995 💌 Connect with Hanna: Instagram → https://instagram.com/hannaeseymour Subscribe to The Weekly One → https://hannaseymour.com/theweeklyone 👉 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE this episode with a friend.

What does it look like to live a life that’s both productive and unhurried? In this week’s conversation, I sit down with Ruth Chou Simons—Wall Street Journal bestselling author, artist, podcaster, and founder of GraceLaced. Ruth shares from her new book The Way of the Wildflower and helps us see how God uses every season—growth, rest, and even dormancy—to shape us. We talk about: Why hurry often starts in the heart Trusting God’s timing instead of rushing ahead How sanctification can’t be forced or fast-tracked What dormancy looks like in our spiritual lives The freedom of dependency on God’s sufficiency This episode is a gentle reminder: God isn’t in a rush with you. 🌿 Links & Resources Ruth’s new book: The Way of the Wildflower Ruth on Instagram: @ruthchousimons Ruth’s art & shop: GraceLaced Other books by Ruth: GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Striving Ceases, Now and Not Yet Connect with me: hannaseymour.com Instagram: @hannaeseymour My weekly devotional email The Weekly One: https://hannaseymour.com/theweeklyone If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who feels rushed in this season. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s conversation!

Motherhood can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and impossible. We often believe the lie that we need to “do it all” or be the perfect mom. But in today’s conversation, author and mom of five, Katie Faris, reminds us that our limits are not failures—they are invitations to depend on the limitless God.Katie and I talk about: The common lies moms believe about keeping it all together How suffering and grief intersect with motherhood What it looks like to embrace dependence on God rather than striving to be “super mom” The freedom that comes from being a faithful, not a perfect, parent Her new devotional Every Hour I Need You and how studying God’s character transformed her daily walkIf you’ve ever felt weary, inadequate, or like you’re falling short as a mom, this episode will encourage you to lift your eyes to the God who sees you, loves you, and equips you for the sacred calling of motherhood.Order Katie’s devotional: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Hour-Need-You-Meditations/dp/1433586103 Connect with Katie: https://katiefaris.comFollow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiefaris 🔗 Connect with Hanna Website: https://hannaseymour.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannaseymour Subscribe to The Weekly One: https://hannaseymour.com⁠/theweeklyone

Cristina Baker has lived through homelessness, addiction, and trauma. But in the middle of her darkest moments, she encountered Jesus in a way that changed everything. Now with over 1 million followers on TikTok, Cristina shares daily prayers and encouragement with millions of people online. She’s the author of Hope in 60 Seconds and her newest book A Minute of Hope: 100 Prayers for Staying Steadfast Through Challenges and Change. In this conversation, Cristina and Hanna talk about: Her radical encounter with Jesus that turned her life around The lifelong process of healing and sanctification Why prayer is not just something we do, but a way of life How God redeems even our wilderness seasons Practical encouragement for making prayer part of your everyday moments Cristina’s story is a living reminder that no one is too far gone for God to redeem, and that a single prayer can change everything. 📖 Scripture mentioned: Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Psalm 34:17–19, James 5:16 📚 Cristina’s books: Hope in 60 Seconds and A Minute of Hope ⭐ Connect with Us Connect with Cristina: 🌐 cristinabaker.com 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok Connect with Hanna: 🌐 hannaseymour.com 📸 Instagram 🎙 No Matter What podcast ✉️ The Weekly One — one verse, one quote, and one question each week

In this episode, I sit down with author, spoken word poet, and storyteller, Tanner Olson. Tanner shares how his journey through infertility, adoption, and creative ministry has shaped his faith. Together we talk about prayer, waiting on God’s timing, the coexistence of grief and hope, and what it looks like to live faithfully—even when life doesn’t look the way you expected. His honesty about wrestling with God, his story of adoption, and his heart for helping others connect with God through poetry and prayer will encourage and challenge you to remember: life is heavy and hard, but God is always good. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The story behind Tanner’s children’s book All the Things I Say to God How grief and hope can exist side by side Tanner’s personal journey with infertility and adoption Honest reflections on social media, creativity, and calling Why remembering God’s past faithfulness matters for our present trials How prayer can be simple, accessible, and transformative for all of us About Tanner Olson:Tanner Olson is an author, spoken word poet, and storyteller based in Nashville, TN. Known for his heartfelt and hopeful voice, he travels the country sharing poetry and stories that weave together grace, humor, and faith. His work has been described as “hopefully unique and inviting,” offering a fresh perspective on life’s complexities with honesty and curiosity. Tanner is the author of multiple books, including Walk A Little Slower, All the Things I Say to God (Zonderkidz, April 2025), and an upcoming release with HarperCollins in February 2026. Discover more of his work at writtentospeak.com. Resources & Links: All the Things I Say to God (Zonderkidz, April 2025): https://www.writtentospeak.com/store Follow Tanner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writtentospeak Follow Hanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannaeseymour Learn more: https://www.hannaseymour.com Call to Action:If something in this episode encouraged you, I’d love to hear! Leave a comment on Spotify, DM me on Instagram, or share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of God’s goodness. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe—your support helps this podcast reach more people with encouragement to follow Jesus, no matter what.

Katie Blackburn’s story is one of resilience, courage, and God’s faithfulness. As a single mom of six, Katie has walked through unexpected turns she never saw coming. In this conversation, we talk about the power of community, the gift of being vulnerable, and the strength only God can provide when life feels overwhelming. Katie also shares what it’s been like to raise a child with autism, and the lessons she’s learning about letting go and trusting God with her kids’ stories. This is a raw, hope-filled reminder that even when everything falls apart, God is still there. About Katie: Katie Blackburn is a writer, single mom to six, and relentless believer finding grace in motherhood, special-needs parenting, and everyday faith. Her voice—honest, gentle, and anchored in community—shines through in her writing. Find Katie online: Coffee + Crumbs Substack Her blog & Gluing the Cracks Instagram: @katiemblackburn Find Hanna online: Website: https://hannaseymour.com | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna_seymour | Podcast (No Matter What): Apple | Podcast (The Weekly One): Spotify | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannaeseymour

Kelly Needham shares her story of learning what true purpose looks like—in motherhood, ministry, and everyday life. We talk about what it means to rely fully on God, why the small acts of service matter so much, and how to rethink ambition and success in light of the Gospel. We also dive into family rhythms, reading habits, and the tension of wanting to honor God while living in a culture that often tells us otherwise. Find Kelly Needham online: Website: https://kellyneedham.com | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyneedham | Podcast (Clearly with Kelly Needham & Jenny Randle): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clearly/id1684295216 | Book (Purposefooled): https://www.kellyneedham.com/purposefooled Find Hanna online: Website: https://hannaseymour.com | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna_seymour | Podcast (No Matter What): Apple | Podcast (The Weekly One): Spotify | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannaeseymour Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 02:57 Kelly's Current Projects and Ministry Growth 05:48 Family Dynamics and Parenting Insights 08:47 Reading Habits and Literary Preferences 11:52 Daily Life and Family Values 14:51 Purpose and Meaning in Life 17:42 The Premise of 'Purpose Fooled' 25:46 The Weight of Expectations 30:11 Redefining Greatness 34:52 Finding Purpose in the Mundane 40:31 Living for an Audience of One 50:19 The Journey of Dependency

Christy Nockels joins me to share her story as a musician, a mom, and a woman following Jesus. We talk about what it looks like to keep family and faith first, how music can shape parenting, and the ways God has used hardship and surrender to teach her. Christy reminds us to slow down, live in the present, and trust God’s plan—especially when it comes to rest. We also chat about her brand-new lullaby album, King Who Never Sleeps, and the joy it’s already bringing to families. Find Christy Nockels online: Website: https://christynockels.com | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christynockels | Podcast (The Glorious in the Mundane): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glorious-in-the-mundane/id1017451826 | Music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WNNkGJ1FqQxQJQq9Sxjba Find Hanna online: Website: https://hannaseymour.com | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanna_seymour | Podcast (No Matter What): Apple | Podcast (The Weekly One): Spotify | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannaeseymour Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connections 02:10 The Power of Music in Parenting 06:00 Prioritizing Callings and Family 11:10 Living from a Place of Rest 14:18 Be Where You Are: Embracing the Present 20:25 Working with God vs. Working for God 24:31 Adventuring with God 29:13 The Journey to Lullabies 34:02 The Message of King Who Never Sleeps 39:24 Lessons from Hardship and Surrender

This is a really important conversation. Jessica Hottle joins me to talk about healing from childhood trauma, learning how to forgive, and ultimately finding freedom in Christ. In this episode, we discuss: Responding to and recovering from childhood trauma How to forgive those who have wronged you and why it matters The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation How to dismantle the lies that keep us from healing and wholeness How to see the truth of Romans 8:28 when we're looking at past trauma Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 5 John 10:10 Psalm 145:17 Psalm 139 1 John 1 Resources Mentioned: More about Jessica  Follow Jessica on instagram Follow Living Free Living Healthy on instagram Boundaries by Henry Cloud  Try Softer by Aundi Kolber  Sponsors: Faithful Counseling – Professional mental health counseling from a Biblical perspective 25 Days in Philippians The College Girl's Survival Guide

Y'all are gonna love this girl. Ainsley Britain and her sassiness are in the house, talking about abusive relationships, how God has better for you, and how Jesus came to set us free.  In this episode, we discuss: How does one even find herself in an abusive relationship? How can we offer help and support to a friend in an abusive relationship? How the pathway to healing and freedom is a process that requires community How God is so much better and so much more powerful than we can ever understand Scripture Mentioned: James 5:14-15 Resources Mentioned: More about Ainsley Ainsley's coaching Ainsley's instagram Gary Thomas' Sacred Pathways