Times and Seasons: How to Hold Peace When Everything Changes
What if the dreams you thought were behind you were actually waiting to be rediscovered on the other side of motherhood?In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with professional violinist, mother of four, and school co-founder Maria Clayton for a heartfelt conversation on ambition, identity, and grace through unexpected turns. From the concert halls of Rice University to a life-changing diagnosis at a 20-week ultrasound, Maria shares how her story of rigor and discipline evolved into one of deep faith, flexibility, and healing.Together, they talk about what it means to embrace “times and seasons,” how God guides even the smallest details—like a violin teacher in a grocery line—and why your calling might unfold differently than you imagined. If you’ve ever wondered whether your gifts still have room in your life, this episode is your gentle reminder: life is long, and there’s beauty in the pivot.⸻Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45:59
You Don’t Need To Apologize For Wanting More
I’ve spent years studying the kind of women who light up a room - who hold boundaries with grace, lead with strength, and walk into chaos without losing their peace. You know the type: wise, steady, and completely unbothered.Here’s the truth - none of them were born that way. They built it. So can you.In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy shares five habits that changed her life. The kind that will stretch you, wake you up, and invite you to level up. From ditching the martyr mindset to rewriting your mental loops, from finally learning to say no without guilt to using ChatGPT as your personal strategy coach - she gives you real, raw tools that work.This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more you.If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move - this episode is your permission slip. It’s time we stop playing small.download the ChatGpt worksheet herehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1rbpJE_Pl816cm9p-8RpPN7BlY7FJblux/view?pli=1Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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39:55
Finding God in the Middle of the Mess with Sunny Mahe
What if your greatest trials were actually the starting point of your most sacred transformation?In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Sunny Mahe - former collegiate athlete, NFL wife, and mother of ten - for a raw and moving conversation about redefining identity, finding purpose after loss, and trusting God when everything feels uncertain. Sunny opens up about stepping away from Olympic dreams to embrace motherhood, losing her financial footing after the NFL, and ultimately, walking through the heartbreaking loss of her three-year-old daughter, Elsie.She shares the small miracles that carried her through - from half a cow showing up on her doorstep to life-changing spiritual impressions - and why her definition of success now has nothing to do with applause or accolades. If you’ve ever questioned your worth during quiet seasons, or wondered if God sees you in your lowest moment, this episode will meet you right where you are.Connect with Sunny Mahe:Instagram: @sunnymaheConnect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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49:38
Why You’re Overthinking Service - And What to Do Instead with Brittney Hanks
We often overthink service—imagining it must be big, elaborate, or time-consuming. But what if the most impactful acts are the simplest ones done with love?In this heartfelt episode, Lizzy Jensen sits down with Brittney Hanks, creator of Home & Kind, to explore why service doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. Brittney shares powerful personal stories—from ignoring a prompting and regretting it, to delivering soup at just the right moment—and offers practical ways to bring kindness into everyday life. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, trying to serve more intentionally, or want to teach your kids about giving, this episode will uplift and inspire.Chapters:00:00 – 01:09 | Meet Brittney Hanks•Brittney shares her background, including her cross-country childhood and entrepreneurial roots•How moving frequently built her resilience and openness to change01:09 – 04:20 | From Sewing Swimsuits to Family-Focused Business•Brittney’s journey from product-based business to digital creator•Why family and service became central to her brand04:20 – 07:44 | Becoming the Face of a Brand•Overcoming hesitation to show up online•The advice that helped her show up more confidently on camera07:44 – 10:37 | Simplicity is the Superpower•Why “too simple to share” is actually what moms need•The beauty of easy, approachable tips that reduce mental load10:37 – 16:14 | The Power of Prompted Service•Brittney’s story of failing to act on a prompting—and what she learned•How to recognize and follow spiritual nudges in daily life16:14 – 22:17 | Even the Helpers Need Help•Serving those who usually serve others•Why simple acts like a meal or fresh fruit can be surprisingly powerful22:17 – 26:43 | What to Bring (Besides Dinner)•Creative, non-intimidating gift ideas beyond dinner•The magic of snack trays, muffins, and chopped fruit26:43 – 29:31 | Involving Kids in Service•Teaching kids empathy by including them in acts of giving•Using service to counteract entitlement29:31 – 32:09 | Thoughtful Gifts Beyond Food•Outside-the-box service ideas like coloring books or airplane kits for kids•Why small gestures can leave lasting impressions32:09 – 36:44 | Creating a Home Filled with Light•How moms set the emotional tone of the home•Letting kids see your personal spiritual practices in action36:44 – 41:57 | The Power of Confidence and Purpose•Why building inner confidence is key to showing up for others•Encouraging kids to lean into their unique strengths41:57 – 43:00 | Final Reflections•Brittney’s legacy: helping people feel capable, seen, and loved•Mutual admiration and encouragement between Lizzy and Brittney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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43:49
Ditching the Guilt and Building a Business That Works with Michelle Gifford
Most women wait too long to step into their potential - held back by fear, self-doubt, or the belief that success and motherhood can’t coexist.In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Michelle Gifford - marketing strategist, founder of a creative agency, and mom of five - who proves that you don’t have to choose between family and ambition. She shares her no-nonsense approach to building a business that actually makes money, how to silence imposter syndrome, and why “microfails” (yes, failing on purpose!) are the key to long-term success.From starting her first business while six months pregnant to helping women scale their brands using social media, Michelle breaks down the mindset shifts and strategies that turn ideas into income. If you’ve been waiting for permission to go all in, this is it.Connect with Michelle Gifford:Instagram: @iammichellegiffordConnect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @Lizzy.jensenChapters:00:00 – 00:48 | Introduction•Lizzy welcomes Michelle and shares their history in podcasting•How Michelle’s first podcast inspired Lizzy’s journey00:48 – 02:46 | Michelle’s Entrepreneurial Journey•How she started her first business while pregnant•Her transition from small-town life to building a marketing agency02:46 – 04:51 | The Power of Social Media for Women•How social media empowers women to build businesses•Why embracing digital tools is crucial for success04:51 – 06:38 | Balancing Business & Motherhood•The challenges of entrepreneurship as a mom•How to redefine success & build confidence06:38 – 09:55 | How Women Approach Business Differently•The differences between male and female entrepreneurship•Why community and connection matter more than ever09:55 – 13:07 | First Steps for Starting a Business•The importance of following the money•Why women must overcome the fear of selling13:07 – 19:02 | The Reality of Work-Life Balance•Practical strategies for managing family and business•How to design a life that works for you19:02 – 23:29 | Redefining Motherhood & Success•Separating motherhood from caretaking roles•Making intentional choices about what work to do23:29 – 30:12 | Confidence, Community & Finding Your People•Why confidence attracts the right people•The power of showing up authentically30:12 – 39:49 | Overcoming Imposter Syndrome•How practice eliminates self-doubt•Why doing the work qualifies you for success39:49 – 45:23 | Taking Ownership of Your Achievements•Why women downplay their success•How owning your wins helps you grow and serve others45:23 – 47:21 | Michelle’s Legacy & Final Advice•Encouraging women to step up and use their voices•Why now is the time for women to share their light Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Lean in with Lizzy, I’m Lizzy Jensen and I’m fired up for this, are you ready? The Lean in with Lizzy show has a simple mission to empower you with the confidence and courage to live your most beautiful and abundant life. Join me weekly as I bring in friends and experts to give you the takeaways you need to help you navigate the complex journey of womanhood. The world is hungry for your love, your heart, your voice and your goodness. Lean in with me as we learn to give our highest contributions to the world—outside and inside our own homes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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