Napkin Notes with Elizabeth Evans

Laura Osnes is a Broadway veteran, Hallmark + Great American Family Christmas Movie Star, and founder. Merry (almost) Christmas, ya'll!! Today's episode is ringing in the Christmas Spirit with the magical and oh so kind, Laura Osnes. You've seen Laura on Broadway stages as Cinderalla (...and Sandy...and many other Broadway productions) and also on your tv in Hallmark Christmas movies like Homecoming for the Holidays and One Royal Holiday. I loved this converastion with Laura because not only do we chat about when she saw those two letters—G, O—from the Lord about auditioning for a reality show (ahem, I did watch this in real time over a decade ago) to cast the leads in Broadway's Grease revival and what it's really like on a Hallmark set, but we also dive into changing careers, trusting in God's plan, and how to know when a creative process is 'complete.' Laura Osnes is a Broadway veteran who starred in six Broadway productions, including playing Sandy in Grease and Cinderella (yes, she still has the custom Stuart Weitzman glass slippers). After 15 years in New York, she made a bold move to Nashville, where she's now starred in Hallmark and Great American Family Christmas movies, and now creating Stagecraft—an online platform equipping the next generation of theater performers alongside her husband and fellow Broadway professionals. In this conversation, we explore the beautiful tension between pursuing your passions and staying open to how those gifts might evolve.  Here's what we chat about! Recognizing and acting on Godly direction, even when the path seems uncertain Understanding the discipline required to excel in creative fields while maintaining joy in the process Discovering strategies for navigating major career transitions without losing your core identity Laura's Wisdom: 'Let your artistic creation be a mile marker for where you are at that moment in your life' - This isn't about creating something that will represent you forever, it's about capturing where you are right now. The difference between Broadway acting and television acting I wrote down so many notes for myself personally from this episode, and I know you will, too. This is the perfect mix of finding Christmas spirit and getting our hearts ready for the New Year. Listen with coffee or your favorite champagne!! Follow Laura here! https://www.instagram.com/lauraosnes Follow along with Stagecraft here!! https://www.instagram.com/mystagecraft/ Episodes mentioned: Laura on In Joy Life with Mattie Jackson Napkin Notes with Masey Napkin Notes with Alexa PenaVega Napkin Notes with Mary Hollis Napkin Notes with Jordan Jo

Whether she's putting on cowboy boots to rope, or high heels walking into a boardroom - get yourself a girl that can do BOTH. And that's exactly who Jordan Jo is, and her story will completely shift how you think about Western culture, faith, and chasing your dreams. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh is a professional breakaway roper, podcast host of "In the Loop with Jordan Jo," and Cowboy Channel broadcaster. She's won multiple championships including the National Finals Breakaway Roping aggregate title, and recently launched Cowgirl Armor—a faith-based community for women navigating life's challenges with courage and authenticity. From recording her first podcast episode by passing her phone back and forth with a friend in a pickup truck to becoming a National Finals Rodeo champion and Cowboy Channel broadcaster, Jordan Jo's path proves that sometimes the best way forward is simply to start where you are with what you have. In this conversation, we explore the high-stakes world of professional rodeo where split-second decisions can mean the difference between $25,000 and $1 million. You'll discover why rodeo athletes are some of the most mentally tough competitors on earth, and how faith becomes the foundation when everything is on the line. As well as: An insider's guide to professional rodeo structure, events, and culture Hear about the moment Jordan Jo almost won $1 million and how that "failure" became fuel for her faith and future success. Why vulnerability and community matter in competitive environments Understand the mindset strategies needed when 17,000 people are watching your every move in a 2-second competition. Whether you're curious about Western culture, looking for inspiration to start something new, or wanting to understand how faith and competition intersect, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into a world where courage, community, and calling come together in the most beautiful way. Listen to In the Loop Here: https://www.instagram.com/inthelooppodcast.jordanjo/ Follow Jordan here: https://www.instagram.com/jordanjo.hollabaugh/ Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/?hl=en

What happens when fear feels like your most familiar emotion, yet God is calling you to step boldly into His promises? This conversation with author and teacher Heidi Lee Anderson explores the beautiful tension between feeling afraid and living afraid. In this episode of Napkin Noes, Heidi opens up about her cancer story, the prophetic word spoken over her during treatment, and how meeting her husband in the middle of chemotherapy became one of God's most beautiful plot twists. Her new devotional All In, All Yours walks through the book of Joshua, showing us how the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land mirrors our own spiritual battles today. We explore the fascinating Biblical timeline from Jacob's wrestling match with God to Joshua leading God's people across the Jordan River—and why understanding this history helps us read Scripture with fresh eyes. Heidi breaks down the difference between Canaan as enemy-held territory and Israel as God's intended inheritance, creating a powerful parallel for the abundant life Christ has secured for us. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The crucial difference between feeling fear and becoming fearful—and how this shift in perspective can set you free. Why God sometimes keeps "giants in the land" even after we've entered His promises, and how these battles train us for victory. Biblical insights into Israel's history that illuminate current events and deepen your Scripture reading. How to discern God's voice and timing when you're standing at a crossroads, unsure whether to move forward or wait. The power of generational prayer through Grandma Phyllis's daily intercession that covered Heidi's entire life—including praying for her future husband before she was even born.   Heidi's story reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when His delays feel like denials. Whether you're waiting for a promise to unfold, wrestling with fear about the future, or wondering how to hear God's voice more clearly, this conversation offers both biblical truth and personal encouragement for the road ahead. Follow Heidi here: https://www.instagram.com/heidileeanderson/?hl=en Purchase Heidi's new devotional here: https://heidileeandersonministries.com/allinallyours Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/  

There's something magical that happens when you sit down with someone who's discovered their purpose and is living it out boldly. That's exactly what I experienced when I chatted with actress, writer, and songwriter, Masey Mclain. As we talked about her latest film Soul on Fire, I found myself scribbling notes about what it really means to find your calling through intimate relationship with God. My Favorite Takeaways: Your gifts are tools for sanctification, not just platforms for success Cultivating intimacy with God is the foundation for discovering your purpose Sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most beautiful outcomes We're all being "fit for heaven" through our earthly experiences It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness Masey opens up about her role as Beth in Soul on Fire—a movie based on John O'Leary's incredible true story of surviving burns on 100% of his body as a nine-year-old. What struck me most wasn't just her portrayal of this fierce, grounding female character, but how the script arrived at a pivotal moment in her own life when she was walking through her own season of fire. We chatted about how she met her husband, if she always knew she wanted to act, and certain takes in the movie that really struck me.  If you need something to do this weekend, go get yourself a ticket to Soul on Fire. You won't regret it. Follow Masey here: https://www.instagram.com/maseymclain/? Grab your tickets here: https://soulonfiremovie.com/

If you've ever felt stuck in decision paralysis, craved clarity in your business, or wished you had someone in your corner who actually gets it, this episode is your permission slip to move. Meet Amy Snook — business coach, former Glossier exec, child actress-turned-founder, and the unapologetic voice of "just make the decision and move forward." She's built brands, advised startups, led creative teams, and coached dozens of female entrepreneurs around the world—all with a grounded mix of vision, humor, and candor. In this episode, we talk about: How 10-year-old Amy convinced her parents to move across the country so she could pursue acting What it was like to join Glossier in its earliest days and work directly with Emily Weiss Why women get paralyzed in decision-making and how to break that cycle fast The biggest mistakes people make when hiring and scaling their business The unexpected emotional labor of entrepreneurship (and why coaching can be a lifeline) This conversation will leave you braver, clearer, and a little more willing to chase the vision you can already see—even if no one else does yet. Follow Amy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/amylaurenlovell?igsh=Nm92bjVwbDBzamF3 Follow her Substack here: https://pareabooks.substack.com/