A Longer Table
By Manda Carpenter
Author, speaker and advocate, Manda Carpenter, asks these types of questions daily. Now, she's created a space where these questions and more are answered publicly.
There’s no topic that’s off-limits as she and her guests get real about relationships, social justice, faith and more. All curiosities and perspectives are welcome at this table. Pull up a seat, we're glad you're here.
A Longer TableAug 26, 2020
139: Where Is Hope When Our World Is Breaking?
It happens to all of us one way or another...
- When a global pandemic upends our security.
- When a partner leaves.
- When we get a terrible diagnosis, or face the death of a loved one.
- When long-held beliefs about God or faith slipped through our hands.
Whether the details are global or personal, we have all experienced our world falling apart. Manda brings her friend, pastor, and newly published author - Jason Adam Miller - to the table to chat about...
- How to deal when the world is breaking
- Where we can find hope in the midst of pain and suffering
- Becoming people who help put the world back together
Grab your copy of Jason's new book When The World Breaks.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
138: How Can We Make the Table More Accessible for People with Disabilities?
Jennifer Ji-Hye Ko is an autistic and disabled author, poet, and educator. She shares about how her autism and disabilities affect her daily life, and how the world - specifically the church - can improve to become more accessible. Tune in to widen your perspective and lean into empathy!
Learn more from Jennifer by following her on instagram here.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
137: How Can I Tell a Better Story with My Life?
Blaine Hogan is a film director and actor who believes you can redeem your story and redefine your creativity. In this episode, he gets real with Manda about his past addiction and how his whole life changed when he started living honestly and seeking healing. They also chat about:
-His fascinating career as a film director and the celebrities he's worked with recently
-His new book "exit the cave" which isn't the book he meant to write
-His life raising 3 daughters and the 5 affirmations they say every day
Buy Blaine's newest book here and follow him on instagram here
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
136: Can We Have A Gracious Disagreement?
Trigger Warning: If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, this episode may be difficult as the guest was brought on specifically to share her story. Manda does not align with or endorse the beliefs of the guest, but feels it is important to navigate hard conversations with grace and curiosity. Part of building a LONGER table is having people sit around it who do not share the same perspective as you, which is why our team cautiously decided to proceed with this release.
From a young age, Kyrie questioned her sexuality and came out as gay at 18. A few years later after becoming a Christian, she renounced her homosexual lifestyle, left the LGBTQ community, and started sharing about her life as an "Ex-Gay" on social media. We're thankful she joins Manda at the table today to provide some insight into a perspective we haven't had on the podcast yet. Tune in to hear about:
- her sexual identity shift
- the feedback she's received from the LGBTQ+ and Christian communities
- her beliefs surrounding homosexuality and sin
View Kyrie's Instagram here & her ministry here
Resources Recommended by Manda:
- A Sacred Conversation on Sexuality
- God and the Gay Christian
- UnClobber
- Changing Our Mind
- 1946 The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture
Resources Recommended by Kyrie:
135: Can Asking Questions Change My Life?
Jennifer Dukes Lee is a journalist turned author who lives on a farm in Iowa and is an expert at asking questions. She's at the table today to share how asking good questions changed her life and give us some insight about how intentional (and fun!) question-asking can help us become more self-aware and improve our relationships.
Buy Jennifer's new guided journal, "Stuff I'd Only Tell God" here
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
134: Should I Feel Guilty for Not Adopting?
Angela Tucker is a Black woman adopted from foster care to a white family. In this episode, she gets honest with Manda about all things foster care and adoption and ultimately helps us answer an important question: Should we feel guilty for not adopting? Angela is the founder of The Adopted Life, a consulting company where she offers workshops and mentorship with a mission to help center adoptee stories and bring clarity and truth narratives about race, class, and identity. She is the host of The Adoptee Next Door podcast and has advised the writers of Broadway’s Jagged Little Pill and NBC’s show, This Is Us. Angela lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, Emmy-award winning filmmaker Bryan Tucker.
Buy her book
Follow her on instagram: @angieadoptee
Schedule a consultation with her
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
133: Is Transracial Adoption Ideal?
Adopted from Korea by a white American family, Brandi Ebersole grew up in a community that didn't look like her. In this conversation, she reflects on her childhood as a transracial adoptee and shares about the journey she's had with her own children who have joined her family through foster care, adoption, and biologically. Give this episode a listen to hear Manda ask her about:
- her thoughts on the effects of transracial adoption
- how being an adoptee has influenced the way she's raising her own kids
- the challenges of transracial adoption
Hear more from Brandi as she advocates for the adoptee community on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/brandi_ebersole/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
132: What is it Like Living with Cancer?
At 32 years old, Christine Boye got diagnosed with breast cancer and a few days later found out she was pregnant. In this episode, she shares about the realities and hardships of living with cancer while also growing a baby (and caring for her 2 other young children!) Tune in to hear Manda ask her specifically about:
- the moment she received her diagnosis
- the impact pregnancy had on her cancer treatment
- the lessons she's learned along the way
and more! Christine shares about her life and journey on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iamchristineboye/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
131: Is There a Way to Break Free From My Phone Addiction?
What if I told you that you could regain 15 days of time each year by putting away your phone for just 1 hour each day?
Founders of Aro, Heath and Joey, sit at our table to share about an amazing product they've designed specifically for families looking to reduce screen time and increase quality time together.
This conversation reveals the backstory to how Aro came into existence, answers the most frequently asked questions about it, and serves as a crucial wake up call to everyone. Give it a listen, and then take action by getting Aro; code MANDA for your first month free!
Thank you to our sponsor ABLE! Shop with code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book Soul Care to Save Your Life
130: Why Do We Tear People Down for Being Different Than Us?
Jenai is a writer, artist, Filipina woman who holds stories and makes space for others. She addresses the cultures of marginalization and how we can better set the table for people on the margins.
I asked her to join our table to discuss how we set the table for others, but our conversation really dove deep into why we separate ourselves from, or even tear down, people who are different from us. Tune in to hear Jenai share...
- About her upbringing and how she's navigating her identity as a Filipina woman
- What "othering" means and looks like; including an example of how we may "other" someone unintentionally
- How we can all be better stewards of our privilege and influence
She has a book on the intersection of faith and othering that comes out next year!
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
129: Is There a Better Alternative to Prison?
At 19 years old, Marlon Peterson participated in a robbery that resulted in two murders.
During his 10 years in prison, he decade incarcerated and co-created How Our Lives Link Altogether, a youth development organization that has provided programming, college trips, and mentorship for NYC public school students and justice-involved youth.
Marlon has written, created programming, lectured, organized, and advocated alongside the formerly incarcerated, victims of gun violence, womxn, immigrants, and young people. He's the author of Bird Uncaged, host of the DEcarcerated Podcast, and owner of The Precedential Group Social Enterprises and its nonprofit arm, Be Precedential, Inc.
His TED talk, “Am I not human? A call for criminal justice reform”, has amassed over 1.2 million views.
Marlon joins us at the table to tell a little bit of his story, proving once again that there isn't a single person you would not love if you knew their story.
Tune in to hear:
- What led to the day Marlon participated in a crime that resulted in the death of two innocent people
- How being sexually assaulted at 14 years old changed the trajectory of his life
- Why Marlon's life work now revolves around the pursuit of a shift from punishment to healing, an end to prisons, and a new vision of justice
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
128: What Can I Do if Sex Is Painful?
Hanna joins us at the table to discuss about confident and pain-free sex - especially if we've grown up in purity culture and feel shame about our body.
Tune in to hear:
- Common reasons sex can be painful
- What we should do if sex is consistently painful
- How to communicate with a partner about painful sex
...and more!
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These supportive sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
127: How Can I Pivot My Parenting Style?
Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones™️ who joins us again (listen to her first episode with us no. 115) to continue the conversation of how we can have a healthy relationship with our children... specifically how we can pivot our parenting style if we realize that our current parenting tactics aren't working or are potentially causing harm.
Tune in to hear:
- How we course correct if we've been "getting it wrong" and now want to do better
- How we uphold our boundaries when others (grandparents, friends, etc.) judge/disregard our parenting style
- And more!
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These supportive sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
126: How Do I Accept Myself As I Am?
Arielle Estoria is a Poet, Author and Actor. With a specific heart in empowering, encouraging and making space for audiences of women to feel at home in their own bodies, Arielle has shared her work through custom spoken word pieces, workshops and themed keynote talks with companies such as Google, Lululemon, Tedx, the SKIMS campaign by Kim Kardashian and more. Her newest book, "The Unfolding" released this spring. In this encouraging episode, she opens up to Manda about:
- How she learned to come home to herself
- What we can do to practice self-acceptance
- Why "unfolding" is crucial to becoming who we are
and more about her personal life as an actress, meeting her husband, and her spiritual shiftings!
You can keep up with Arielle on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arielleestoria/ and grab a copy of "The Unfolding" here: https://arielleestoria.com/the-unfolding A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These supportive sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
125: What Will Make Me A Better Writer?
Stephanie Duncan Smith is an executive editor at Baker Books, where she takes great joy in coaching and championing authors to bring the best out of their message. She’s worked in publishing for over 13 years, developing bestselling and award-winning writers, and personally pens SLANT LETTER, an email newsletter for writers looking to deepen their craft and tend to the soul of their work. If you're an aspiring author or someone who loves to write, make sure you give this episode a listen to hear Stephanie's answers to:
- What is the one thing I should do to become a better writer?
- It seems like everyone's an author these days...is there still room for me to be successful?
- What are the common mistakes amateur writers make?
and lots more! Learn more about Stephanie, subscribe to her newsletter, and get writing tips here: http://www.slantletter.com/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These amazing sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/ ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
124: What Do Special Needs Parents Want Us To Know?
Jen Tipton is a mom of 3 who found a passion for special needs inclusion after her son was diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality and non-speaking autism. In this episode, she shares candidly about what it's like to parent neuro-divergent children, what she wishes parents of neuro-typical children knew, and how we can all improve inclusivity for humans with special needs. This quick episode is a must-listen whether you're a parent or not because Jen offers such valuable insight about how to build longer tables for people who interact with the world differently than we do.
Some resources Jen recommends:
- For a look into the lives of non-speaking autistic boys, you can follow @peace_love_autism, @lovehopeandautism, @theautismcafe, and @findingcoopersvoice on Instagram.
- "SPELLERS" is an award-winning documentary that challenges everything we thought we knew about those with non-speaking autism. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOk6pBnY7hQ
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These amazing sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
123: How Should We Really Be Thinking About Abortion?
Gabrielle Blair is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning parenting blogger, and a thought leader who has written and moderated hundreds of discussions on difficult topics. Over 6000 blog posts and two books later, Gabrielle is considered a top expert in creating accessible conversations, parenting engaged and independent kids, and creating a home where both parents and kids can thrive. She currently lives in France with her husband and 6 kids.
In this episode, she's tackling one of the toughest topics--abortion--and is offering a ground-breaking reframing of the issue. Tune in to hear her talk about:
- The basics of fertility (and how it isn't something that only pertains to women!)
- How the birth control industry is targeting the wrong group of people
- Why men should ultimately be held accountable for unwanted pregnancies
You can learn more about Gabrielle and purchase her latest book "Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way To Think About Abortion" at https://designmom.com/ejaculate-responsibly-book/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
This episode is made possible by our wonderful sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
122: How Can I Become a Published Author?
If writing a book is on your bucket list or you feel like you have a story inside of you that needs to be shared, this episode is for you! Manda sits down with 4 authors who completed her 'Stories Matter' program to get a behind-the-scenes look at:
- What it was like to publish a book with Manda in just 12 weeks!
- What they found surprising about the writing and publishing experience
- Why they each committed to becoming an author in the first place
and so much more! If you're interested in collaborating with Manda to write and publish your book, head to this link for more info: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/write-and-sell-your-book
Connect with the authors:
Kiara Schuh @kiararaeschuh
Buy her book "Chosen Family"
Emily Cruz @emilycruzwrites
Buy her book "This Won't Define Me"
Jill Jaramillo @jilljaramillo_
Buy her book "Count the Fruit"
Sheyann Straub @sheyann.straub
Buy her book "Honeysuckle & Cigarettes"
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this episode:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://www.ableclothing.com
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com
121: Does Courage Change Everything?
K.J Ramsey is a Somatic & Trauma-Informed Therapist and Poet who lives everyday with an autoimmune disease. Her work offers space to see every part of our souls and stories as sacred.
In this episode, you'll get an inside look at:
- K.J's painful experience within the Church and how she's maintained communion with God
- The connection between trauma and our physical wellbeing
- How courage has the power to change everything
You can learn more about K.J and purchase her books at https://www.kjramsey.com or keep up with her daily stunning musings at https://www.instagram.com/kjramseywrites.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
Checkout our amazing sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://www.ableclothing.com
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com
120: Are We Really Listening to Each Other?
Patricia Taylor is an anti-racism educator, podcaster, and writer who believes in having critical conversations around racial justice with clarity and candor. She writes on instagram under #somethoughtsfromyourblackfriend and joins Manda on the podcast today to encourage us to learn how to listen so that we can genuinely love better.
Press play to hear more about:
- What inspired Patty to begin writing #somethoughtsfromyourblackfriend
- How we can become better listeners, especially to those that are different than us
- Why becoming anti-racist is a lifelong endeavor
You can connect with Patty and learn from her writing at https://www.instagram.com/patricia_a_taylor/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Checkout our amazing sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
119: Five of My Favorite Things
Manda sits down at the table solo today to share about 5 of her (current) favorite things:
- A skincare product
- A sleep favorite
- A current snack obsession
- A new daily rhythm
- Something to balance her family
You can find products she mentions here: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/shop-my-favs
And discount codes here: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/promo-codes-for-you
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Special thanks to our amazing sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://www.ableclothing.com/
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com/
118: How do we transition out of a job, friendship, (anything!) well?
Steve Carter is a pastor, author, and the former lead teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. A gifted teacher, Steve spends his days crafting sermons, messages, blog posts, and books to encourage people in their walk with Christ. He describes his work as humbling and vulnerable—a soul-baring process that keeps him dependent, expectant, and grounded in Christ.
Manda sat down with him at the table to hear more about:
- How he made the decision to leave Willow Creek
- What he's learned about ending relationships
- Why integrity drives everything he does
- and how we can learn to transition out of things well!
You can learn more from Steve here and grab a copy of his book The Thing Beneath The Thing here
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Big thanks to our sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
117: How Can We Improve our Sex Lives?
Dr. Celeste Holbrook is a sexologist, speaker and author who has dedicated her life to being a sex educator. She believes that great sex fuels a great relationship. Her mission is to help people achieve extraordinary intimacy in their lives through planned mental and behavioral changes. Manda invited her to the table to answer the following questions and more:
- I feel like I need "perfect conditions" to be in the mood for sex. HELP!
- The most common sex struggles for men and women?
- Is there a benchmark for how much sex is “enough” to be considered a good, healthy sex life?
- Does porn have a place in a healthy marriage?
- Which toys and types of play do you recommend in the bedroom?
You can find more info and resources from Celeste here.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Big thanks to our sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
116: What do People of Color Wish Their White Friends Knew?
Marie Beecham is an advocate for social justice and unity. I invited Marie to the table to hear how she would answer the questions:
- What do People of Color wish their White friends knew?
- What can we say or do instead of responding with “I understand”?
- What’s the balance of being a White ally and advocate who listens and doesn’t speak on behalf of People of Color, but speaks up appropriately instead of doing nothing?
Follow and support Marie's work here.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Special thanks to our show sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
115: How Can I Have a Healthy Relationship With My Child?
Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones™️ who joins A Longer Table to share how we can have a healthy relationship with our children. Mary specifically answers Manda's questions about:
- How to get your child to cooperate more?
- If we're spending enough time with our children?
- What are age-appropriate consequences?
She is a true gift and a wonderful follow on Instagram @maryvangeffen.
Shout-out to our show sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
114: Could Self-Love Transform My Life?
Dani De Boulay is DEI advocate, branding and social media consultant, and self-love writer and creator from NYC. She joins the table to share why she is so passionate about self-love and how it will transform your life. She and Manda also spend time discussing singleness and the significance of Dani wearing a pink suit at her corporate job.
Our Sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off everything.
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off on luxurious bedding & pj's.
113: What's Life Like When Your Kids Are in Foster Care?
Brenna Hunter's addiction to Methamphetamine (aka: Meth) cost her custody of her children and left her living on the streets in Los Angeles. She openly shares all that led to her drug use and what it was like when the Department of Children & Family Services took her kids and placed them into foster care. But that's not where her story ends! She worked hard to get clean, stay clean, and regain custody of her three children. She is an addict turned social worker who provides a much needed perspective on foster care. Our hope is that hearing Brenna reminds you once again: There Isn't a Single Person You Wouldn't Love If You Knew Their Story.
Our Sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for a 15% discount on women's apparel.
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for a 35% discount on luxurious bedding & pjs.
112: What Can I Do to Make New Friends as an Adult?
Ashley Abercrombie is the Queen of Geriatric Pregnancies and author of Love is The Resistance and Rise of The Truth Teller. She believes the best conversations happen After Hours and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. In this conversation, she and Manda discuss the following:
- Abortion
- The lie that we're running out of time
- Friendship break-ups
- What friendship *actually* looks like as an adult with a full life
- Sobriety
This episode is sponsored by ABLE, Manda's favorite clothing store that empowers both the women wearing them and the women making them. Use code ALONGERTABLE15 for a 15% discount.
111: How Can I Live a Drama-Free Life?
Nedra Glover Tawwab, MSW, LCSW, is a New York Times best-selling author, licensed therapist, and sought-after relationship expert. Her philosophy is that a lack of boundaries and assertiveness underlie most relationship issues, and her gift is helping people create healthy relationships with themselves and others. In this conversation, she and Manda discuss the following questions and more:
- How to differentiate a toxic or abusive relationship vs. a difficult relationship?
- What to do when you want a closer relationship with someone but it's not being reciprocated?
- Is there a good way to end a friendship?
Preorder Nedra's new book Drama Free & follow her on Instagram for lots of wise nuggets regarding mental health.
This episode is sponsored by ABLE, Manda's favorite shop with a meaningful mission behind every cute outfit. Use code ALONGERTABLE15 for a 15% discount.
110: Raw Reflections + Unfiltered Intentions
In this resurgence episode, Manda shares a thorough reflection of 2022 (personally & professionally), her five intentions for this year, and what to expect from A Longer Table going forward.
Mentioned in the episode:
- Emily P. Freeman's Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done
- Attend one of two Soul Care Retreats I'm hosting this year
- Subscribe to my newsletter & consider becoming a subscriber (it comes with INCREDIBLE perks & fuels my work!)
109: Farewell
Manda expresses her appreciation for all who tuned in over the last 2.5 years, shares a reflection of what didn't quite work out as planned, and lets you know what to expect in the New Year. Follow @mandacarpenter and be sure to subscribe to her email newsletter so you don't miss her upcoming series I Love Hope, But I Hate the Holidays. We'll see you in 2023.
Love,
Manda (Host), Allie (Admin), & Eric (Editor & Producer)
108: Start With Hello
Shannan Martin is back to talk about her brand new book Start With Hello, which is a simple guide and invitation to live as neighbors. She will encourage you to see the neighborhood around you differently and provide realistic, tangible ways for you to show up and start intentionally building relationships. Not sure why it matters or if Start With Hello is for you? Give this brief conversation a listen!
107: Turn Toward the Sun
New York Times Bestselling Author Mandy Hale discusses her newest book, Turn Toward The Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is. As a single woman in her 40's, Mandy shares what she's learned about unmet expectations and how to embrace a reality that looks different than the one you thought you'd always have. Follow her journey online here.
106: Estranged: Finding Hope When Your Family Falls Apart
One day Julie realized she could no longer maintain her toxic relationship with her parents and cut off contact with them. This estrangement lasted 7 years, but ultimately resulted in growth, healing, and eventually, restoration. In this episode she shares about the hardships and challenges that came from the estrangement, the miraculous story of how her family reconciled, and everything she learned in between. Grab a copy of Julie's book Estranged and enjoy reading her free blog posts.
105: Rejection
Therapist and writer, Tabitha Panariso, discusses the impact of rejection in our daily lives. From being blocked on social media and cancel-culture to job loss and parental abandonment. She shares about why rejection is so difficult for us and how we can reframe it from a Christ-following perspective. Connect with her on Instagram + sign up to receive her pep talks that guide you through the dark.
104: Don't Date a Booboo Dude
Author, Podcast Host, and Enneagram Coach Ainsley Britain joins Manda on the podcast to share about unhealthy, abusive relationships and how to prevent ourselves from ending up with someone who doesn't treat us the way we deserve. Married women: don't skip this episode! Ainsley also shares how women in healthy relationships can best support friends who are in toxic relationships. Follow Ainsley and order her new book Don't Date a Boo Boo Dude.
103: A Quick Word from Manda
In this fun 15-minute episode, Manda catches you up on what life's been like in her corner of the world. She recaps life in Los Angeles, how she's feeling after sharing sensitive information from her past, and shares BTS of her new book Soul Care to Save Your Life. You can preorder the book here, and then submit your receipt here so that you automatically receive the goodies!
102: What's Here Now?
Manda's former pastor and friend Jeanne Stevens joins her to discuss the question, "What's Here Now?" which is the title of Jeanne's new book! She wrote it with the goal of helping people learn how to stop rehashing the past and rehearsing the future so they can receive the present. In this conversation, she shares what that looks like in her own life and gives tangible examples of how we can receive 'what's here now' in our lives. Grab your copy of What's Here Now? and follow Jeanne on Instagram.
101: What Longer Table Living Looks Like
Manda welcomes her friends, Kory and Alison Lantz, to share about their radical way of living that she believes embodies "longer table living" so well. After graduating from college and getting married, the Lantz' moved to a part of town most people avoid in an effort to intentionally build relationships with their neighbors. In this episode, they tell their story and give us a glimpse at what longer table living actually looks like. They share about how their relationships with neighbors have developed into Transformational Ministries, and they offer practical and raw advice on how we can all live lives where we actually love our neighbors. The South Bend Tribune has featured the Lantz family and their ministry, and you can watch this video to see even more of what they are up to. Our hope is that this conversation inspires you to take action in your own community by building a longer table rather than a higher fence.
100: Become a Lazy Genius
Two-time New York Times bestselling author, Kendra Adachi, has spent the last decade figuring out how to simplify, prioritize, and rejuvenate her life. Today she joins Manda to teach us all how to become our own "lazy genius." She is outrageously relatable, and shares so many practical tips to help reduce chaos and clutter so that we can function to the best of our abilities with less fuss.
Her first book: The Lazy Genius Way
Her second book: The Lazy Genius Kitchen
The Lazy Genius Podcast
Follow her on Instagram: @thelazygenius
99: Raising Anti-Racist Kids
Lucretia Carter Berry, PhD is a wife, mother, and an antiracism curriculum specialist. She is the President & Learning Community Director of Brownicity, which is exists to provide education that inspires justice & belonging. In this episode, she explains the importance of teaching our kids to be anti-racist and having conversations about skin color. She's incredibly gifted at providing safe, gracious spaces for those who want to learn and do better. Brownicity offers affordable resources & online courses that offer an analytical framework for examining race and racism in the United States. Learners will be equipped with a historical, political and social context for understanding race/ism and how it is sustained.
98: A Mother Whose Kids Are Currently in Foster Care
After a domestic dispute, Courtney's two sons were removed from her care by child protective services. She later discovers that her file claims the boys were removed due to Fentanyl trafficking charges, which came as a shock since Courtney is not a drug user, and never has been. She is doing everything she can to get her kids back home and provides us an in-depth look into foster care from a bio mom's perspective. Follow along with Courtney's reunification journey here: @prayingforreunification
97: Slow Growth = Strong Roots
After hustling for years, Mary Marantz reached the pinnacle of her career and realized there had to be more than the accolades. In this episode, she shares about her transformation from Yale Law Student and award-winning photographer to a slow, authentic and present author. She dishes out wisdom from her new book, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. You're going to love her! Her books, Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots are available everywhere books are sold.
96: Ditching a Feel-Good Faith
Even though she was raised as a Christian and has a degree in religion, Phylicia Masonheimer came to a realization that she didn't know why she believed what she did. After seeking answers to her questions, she made it her goal to teach others how to discern truth, know what (and Who) they believe, and live their faith boldly in a post-Christian world. In this episode, she answers all Manda's burning questions about discernment, the Western Church, theological differences and more. Follow Phylicia on Instagram, check out her site Every Woman a Theologian, and her podcast Verity.
95: A 10 Year Old's Perspective on Fostering
Skywalker is an intelligent, peppy 10 year old girl who is one of five kids in a family that fosters. She shares her perspective of what it's like being a sibling to kids in foster care and more in this short, sweet conversation. We believe our table isn't truly "longer" until we include and value listening to ALL voices...in this case, the voice of a young girl with big ambitions and lots of spunk. Follow Skywalker's journey @skywalker.hughes (account managed by mom)
94: Beyond the Nuclear Family
Lindsey Nobles wanted to be a mother, but as a single woman in her early-forties she had to pursue this differently than many of her married peers. This is her story of not only becoming a mother, but a journey of choosing to prioritize herself and her desires. Instead of adoption, Lindsey became pregnant through a donor and IVF. This isn't just encouragement for the woman who finds herself single and longing for motherhood; this is a conversation that reminds all of us to value ourselves and to learn from families that don't fit the nuclear family model.
While the conversation wasn't focused on her professional life, Lindsey works for Onsite, which is an amazing organization dedicated to changing lives through enhanced emotional health. You can follow Lindsey and Onsite to learn more.
93: Learning from Someone Who is Transgender
Model, actress, and activist Corey has a different gender identity than the gender she was thought to be at birth. She opens up about when and how she realized she was transgender, her transitioning process, and shares more of her truth with Manda, who ultimately wants us all to consider: how might we love and create safe spaces for transgender folks?
Mentioned in the episode: watch Disclosure & read The Transgender Child
92: You Carry Hope Someone Needs to Carry On
Trigger Warning: Suicide. Kristen shares her story of being in and out of foster care and eventually becoming a single adoptive mother at a young age. She encourages everyone to build longer tables for aging out youth. She believes we need to be cautious in our culture of setting healthy boundaries so they don't become justifications for an aversion to hard work and loving others well. This conversation will remind you to be authentic in understanding your limitations, but encourage you to quit sitting on the sidelines when just one dinner, coffee date, or conversation could make all the difference for them having enough hope to carry on another day. Connect with Kristen: @kbuergey
91: Let's Ask a Sexpert
As a follow-up to our latest conversation about sex (no. 90), Manda sits down to chat with Sex Coach, Dan Purcell, to hear his professional insight and wisdom on intimacy, masturbation, toys, and so much more. His answers to our sex Q's are through a Christian lens. Dan and his wife Emily Purcell are the founders of Get Your Marriage On! They created an app for the bedroom called Intimately Us and host retreats for couples Dan and Emily have been married for 18 years and have 6 kids.
90: Let's Talk About Sex
Previous episode mentioned: on purity culture no. 4