Sometimes finding yourself in adulthood looks a lot like getting back to who you were as a child…
Welcome to the Napkin Notes Podcast! Hosted by me! Elizabeth ...
Today’s Napkin Notes episode is with actress, author, and mother, Alexa Penavega. If you’re like me, you probably first experienced Alexa on the big screen with the mega franchise hit, Spy Kids. But throughout the years, it felt like we grew up together with the movie Sleepover, Hallmark movies, and now - Great American Family. But we’re talking so much more than Hollywood in today’s episode (okay, okay - we talk about it a little bit because it’s fun, ya know?!). In our convo, Alexa opens up about her unique childhood in the entertainment industry, how her faith has been the anchor through life's storms, and the importance of intergenerational friendships. She candidly shares about: The transition from living on a houseboat to settling in Tennessee Balancing a successful acting career with family life How to maintain a soft heart despite life's challenges Starting a production company with her husband and close friends Practical advice for being more present in daily life For fans of Alexa's work, she provides some exciting insights into her recent projects: The making of "Get Him Back for Christmas" and working with Mario Lopez Potential future collaborations, including a possible "Sleepover" remake Her transition to Great American Family This episode is a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and finding purpose in every season of life. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Alexa's story, this episode promises to leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to embrace life's journey with grace and trust in God's plan. Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co Follow Alexa here: https://www.instagram.com/vegaalexa/ Subscribe to their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaVidaPenaVega
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15. Ian Morgan Cron: What Errand Is God Calling You to Run?
Have you ever felt stuck in a pattern of behavior you just can't seem to break? In this episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron, author, therapist, and Enneagram expert, to explore how the 12 steps of recovery can offer a path to transformation for everyone - not just those struggling with substance abuse. Think: People Pleasers, Approval Seekers, Overthinkers. Ian shares his personal journey of overcoming alcoholism and how it led him to become a therapist and author. But even more than that, we talk a lot about his upbringing because Ian has the most interesting stories (like when he was a jingle singer in New York in the 80s). We chat about: Ian's perspective on finding your life's purpose without the pressure of one perfect calling How admitting powerlessness (and God’s all powerful nature) can actually be the first step to freedom Why the 12 steps aren't just for addiction recovery, but for any unhealthy attachment The importance of spiritual practices like centering prayer in personal growth The impact of key figures in our lives growing up Whether you're curious about the 12 steps or simply looking for a fresh approach to personal growth, this conversation offers valuable insights on breaking free from limiting patterns and embracing transformation. Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co Follow Ian here: https://www.instagram.com/ianmorgancron/?hl=en Buy his book, The Fix, here: https://ianmorgancron.com/books
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14. Laura Williams, LPC: It's Been Normalized, But It's Not Okay
Have you ever felt the lingering effects of childhood bullying well into adulthood? It may seem trivial-- juvenile even, but those hurtful words/behaviors at an impactful age can stay with us into adulthood - holding us back from who we were made to be. In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with licensed, professional therapist, Laura Williams, to explore the lasting impact of high school bullying on women and how to heal other deep-seated wounds. We chat about: How we can stop people pleasing and become like ourselves The importance of validating your emotions, even years later Recognizing core wounds and the beliefs we falsely hold on to from them What reparenting is and how it can heal our younger selves How to build healthier boundaries as an adult This conversation offers a compassionate look at a painful topic many of us have experienced. Laura's wisdom provides a roadmap for reclaiming your power and healing old hurts. Whether you're struggling with the effects of past bullying or want to better support others, this episode offers valuable tools for growth and healing. Join us as we navigate this sensitive subject with care and insight. Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co Follow Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/laurawilliamslpc Listen to Laura’s podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jGFRvNDRLo5HIWg6Wguch?si=06e2bc7941604962
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13. Letter from the Editor, February 2025: Notice + Nourish Your Life Again
Welcome to the February Letter from the Editor episode! I'm excited to release again a fresh twist on podcast delivery - releasing four episodes at once, inspired by the nostalgic comfort of flipping through a magazine. Each episode stands alone, yet weaves together to create a cohesive theme. The theme of this edition: NOTICE + NOURISH. This "letter from the editor" episode sets the stage for our exploration of noticing and nourishing in 2025, and is my heart to yours. Drawing inspiration from 2 Kings, we'll explore how Biblical wisdom applies to our fast-paced lives today. Learn how to: Listen for God's guidance Watch for His signposts Observe what He requires In a world that often feels like it's moving at breakneck speed, let’s nurture the parts that need a little extra care. This episode, along with the accompanying interviews, offers a blend of emotional reflection and tangible exercises. It's an opportunity to slow down, ponder, and take steps towards living more intentionally. Are you ready to notice the beauty in your everyday life and nourish the aspects that truly matter? Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co
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12. Cleere Cherry Reaves: What Starts as Shame Turns into Freedom for Other People
If you’ve followed Cleere Reaves, who you probably know as CleerelyStated, on Instagram for even just 5 minutes, you know she has the gift of putting into words what God is laying on our hearts. From almost a collective, societal perspective! I don’t know how, but she does. It is a miraculous thing. And my conversation with her felt like her writing coming to life. If you’re ready for a girl’s girl kind of conversation, wrapped with God’s Truth about who HE says you are, and also feels kind of like a calming hug because someone GETS you, then signed, sealed delivered - this episode is yours. In my chat with Cleere, we cover: Why obedience is really an invitation and privilege in who you get to become Why it’s important to be courageous twice Why anger can be a hard emotion for women to access The difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper How our biggest regrets are not seeking out our full potential of our giftings I hope you have a big smile on your face after listening to this. Because I know I sure did after having this conversation. Follow Cleere on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cleerelystated/?hl=en Purchase her latest devotional her: https://amzn.to/3ZKe1qz Want to start your own podcast? Jump into my Podcast Creation Cohort! Learn more here! https://elizabethevans.co/podcastcohort
Sometimes finding yourself in adulthood looks a lot like getting back to who you were as a child…
Welcome to the Napkin Notes Podcast! Hosted by me! Elizabeth Evans.
I want to help us pick back up the pieces of who we used to be, the pieces of ourselves we really loved and cherished, that somehow were left behind along the way. Helping to remind us all who we once were before the world told us who to be. And not necessarily through hard conversations or deep therapy (albeit, I'm a big fan of both). But simply through things like:
- Reminding ourselves how to be in community,
- Sharing our non-linear stories of stumbling into unexpected passions,
- Re-learning our favorite recipes,
- Chatting about our most-loved family traditions, and
- Throwing memorable, yet effortless girl’s nights.
And who am I you ask? I’m Elizabeth :) Owner+Founder of Elizabeth Evans Media. I began my agency in 2018 and have produced dozens of top podcasts from world renowned musicians, impactful content creators, and best selling authors.
One thing has remained true throughout this entrepreneurship journey: I love the feeling of connection through storytelling - with a little flair of southern hospitality.
So in that spirit, I’ll be inviting on guests that have a passion for connection, generosity, and of course, great taste, to keep us inspired to write out our own story well - while obviously giggling along the way.
You’ll hear from women like:
- Olivia Adriance about the tenacity of building a dream community of over 1 million likeminded food lovers and how a mother’s influence at a young age can bring about a tradition of making tasty meals.
- And from Cortney LaCorte of Cheesegal on her own Napkin Note moment that started her brand (that will soon materialize into a cookbook!) - and how an unexpected family friend cultivated her love of gatherings.
- And from Mallory Ervin about how growing up with 22 first cousins crafted her familial loyalty and how that support encouraged her to pursue big dreams from Miss America to the Amazing Race.
Essentially, if you love handwritten letters, flower arrangements, family traditions, intentional questions, and a good cocktail – I think you'll quickly find your place here.
I want to bring us back to ourselves, and I believe we can do that through inviting small Notes of Nostalgia into each of our days.
And I’m just so glad you’re here.
I’m Elizabeth and this is the Napkin Notes Podcast.
www.elizabethevans.co
Listen to Napkin Notes with Elizabeth Evans, The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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