So we made it through the storm but…now what? I know that feeling of “now what?” all too well, but if you listened to the last episode you’ll know that I lived to tell the story. We often spend so much energy fighting through the storm that when the sky clears, we don’t know how to go on living or if we even have it in us to try. Mourning the loss of the life you thought you’d have is an important step in the healing journey, but you can’t stay there forever. So how do we clean up? How do we rebuild? How do we figure out who we are now that the storm is over?In today's episode, I am going to share my experience in learning to live again after my storm and the mindset shifts that helped propel me into the version of myself that isn’t just surviving, but flourishing. We’ll discuss how these mindset shifts can make all the difference in healing your perspective following a major life change and action steps that will help you take those first steps forward.Check out the partner blog for this episode: Beyond the Storm on Substack!Resources mentioned in today's episode:The Artist's Way by Julia CameronFollow to stay updated on future episodes!Substack: pleaseletmefinish.substack.comInstagram: @pleaseletmefinishpodFacebook: @pleaseletmefinishpodCredits:PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

It is lucky episode 13 of the PLMF Podcast and I am pleased to report that I have finally, after 4 years, mustered up the courage to tell my story. Now my friends, I'm not trying to be dramatic but I am quite literally terrified to release this to the world. I have always felt a sense of protectiveness over this story 1) because it is very painful and vulnerable to share and 2) I have wrestled with the shame of it for longer than I care to admit. But NO LONGER! God has been working diligently on healing my heart, and part of that journey has been coming to terms with the fact that this is my story, and despite the messy parts, it is beautifully written and worth sharing. In today's episode, I discuss where I've been for the past few years, the storms I have weathered, and the ways that I have learned to choose joy despite my circumstances. My prayer is that my story will serve as a beacon of hope for anyone weathering a storm in their own life and remind them that the story isn't over and, even when we don't understand, there is beauty in the mess and joy to be found in every season. Check out the partner blog for this episode: The Hurricane and the Healing on Substack!Resources mentioned in today's episode:The Artist's Way by Julia CameronFollow to stay updated on future episodes!Substack: pleaseletmefinish.substack.comInstagram: @pleaseletmefinishpodFacebook: @pleaseletmefinishpodCredits:PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

It's episode 12 of the Please, Let Me Finish Podcast and, we are welcoming our first guest of Season 2! She is a very special, very brave little gal...it's my baby sister, Ellie Hanstad (applause, applause)!!!We have 5 kids in our family and Ellie is our lucky #4. She is working on completing her bachelor's degree in psychology and is hoping to go into medical sales with a special interest in optometry! We are 8 years apart so as her older sister, I have watched her grow in many ways through the years and I am so amazed by the woman she has become. I have done my best to help guide and encourage her along the way, but I can confidently say that she is wise beyond her years and has also been an incredible source of advice and support for me over the past few years.When we decided that Ellie would be a guest, I knew it was going to be a powerful episode. We will be diving into her difficult, but unique and beautiful journey of learning how to flourish despite her diagnosis of Bipolar 2 and how her faith has sustained her even in the darkest of valleys. Her courage to share her heart and her willingness to be vulnerable is so inspiring to me, and I know it will inspire you, too.***Trigger Warning: There is brief mention of suicidal ideation in this episode. Listener discretion is advised.***Follow to stay updated on future episodes!Substack: pleaseletmefinish.substack.comInstagram: @pleaseletmefinishpodFacebook:  @pleaseletmefinishpod

Hello, friends...WE ARE BACK!!!Welcome to Season 2 of the PLMF Podcast! It feels so good to say those words . I know it has been a long time coming and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for those of you who have stuck around and for those of you who are new around here! I have spent the last few years healing and growing and I am so ready to share it all with you, as well as some incredible conversations with some brand new guests! In this episode, we are going to talk about how we can approach the new year with hope and focus on becoming who we want to be rather than achieving what the world thinks we ought to achieve. I am going to share a bit about my new year preparation process, some insight into my morning routine, some tips for mapping out your goals and some encouraging words to remind you that who you are is significantly more important than what you do and that you can truly start this process at any time. I know this episode is coming at the end of January, but I hope that is serves as a timely encouragement for you as the adrenaline from January 1st starts to wear off and the reality of 2026 settles in. I pray this episode brings you a fresh sense of hope and expectation for all that this year has to offer! Thank you so very much for tuning in, and I cannot wait to share more conversations for the open heart, uninterrupted this year. Check out the partner blog for this episode: I am not achieving, I am becoming on Substack!Resources mentioned in today's episode:The Artist's Way by Julia CameronFeit Electric Smart Light BulbFollow to stay updated on future episodes!Substack: www.pleaseletmefinish.substack.comInstagram: @pleaseletmefinishpodFacebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod Credits:PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

If you can believe it, the season finale of the PLMF Podcast has arrived! My guest today is Charles Newsome, my dear husband! He is an incredibly thoughtful, deeply caring individual who instinctively meets the needs he recognizes around him, even those unspoken. Charles has his bachelor’s degree in psychology and works as a special education teacher, or as his students would likely say, a super hero. It has been such a blessing to witness so many of them grow exponentially during their time with him. He’s a friend to all animals and loves too many to count; he’s a talented artist, an accomplished home chef, and my overall favorite person. Charles agreed to come on the podcast to discuss his experience as a teacher and what his students have taught him about grace, his perspective on how we can better support men’s overall mental health, and how compassionate communication can make a big difference when it comes to having those conversations.  Instagram: @pleaseletmefinishpod Facebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod  Tik Tok: @pleaseletmefinishpod Twitter: @plmfpodcast Special Thanks to: Charles Newsome PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

Episode 9 of the PLMF Podcast is here, and in the spirit of vulnerability and open-hearted conversations, I wanted to chat with ya’ll a little bit about mental health.  Last fall, I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at the age of 25. It’s been interesting to navigate the joy I have to finally get some answers/solutions, but also the grief to recognize how little grace I gave myself and how much suffering I inflicted upon my own heart over the years. It is a grueling, but worthwhile journey to prioritize your well-being. It’s not selfish; on the contrary, we can experience greater harmony with ourselves and with those around us. I want to share the unfinished story of how I found my fresh start in college, rediscovered my relationship with God and learned to care for my body through yoga, and how my husband has championed me in my growth from the very beginning! Follow us to stay updated on future episodes! Instagram: @pleaseletmefinishpod Facebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod  Tik Tok: @pleaseletmefinishpod Twitter: @plmfpodcast PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

I can't believe we are already on episode 8 of the PLMF Podcast! It was such a joy and honor to sit down with my favorite Portuguese tutor and friend, Taylah Martin! She is not only majorly accomplished, she is also majorly wise and so articulate in sharing her story. I had the pleasure of meeting Taylah a few years back when I was hoping to satisfy my foreign language credit in college by testing out of Portuguese. So those who don't know, since 2010 my parents and family have been serving as missionaries in Brazil, so since about 13 years old I started learning Portuguese. I wanted to make sure that I was in tip top shape for the test, so my mom recommended Taylah as a virtual tutor and I am endlessly grateful that she did because Taylah is one of the most phenomenal, inspiring, breath of fresh air friends that I have encountered! Taylah is a brilliantly creative marketing professional who has the most inspiring story about integrating her passions into what has become a flourishing career! We discussed how she landed her fabulous job and the journey from being a young dreamer to living her dream, the importance of pursuing the desires of your heart, and how the divinity of wisdom can empower us to realize God’s dream for our lives. Follow us to stay updated on future episodes! Instagram: @pleaseletmefinishpod Facebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod  Tik Tok: @pleaseletmefinishpod Twitter: @plmfpodcast Special Thanks to: Taylah Martin PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

Hey ya'll! It's episode 7 of the PLMF podcast and I can hardly believe it! Since we are a little over halfway through Season 1, I wanted to dedicate an episode to sharing about my journey of active listening, the pursuit of personal education, and some of the resources and tools that have helped me along the way! We have heard so many unique perspectives, and we have covered some topics that aren’t so simple to consider. I want to acknowledge the space and intention required to embark on the adventure that is compassionate understanding and mutual respect for our neighbors and their stories. I’ll be reflecting on community and what it means to love our neighbors with grace and respect, and also sharing some of the most helpful resources and voices that have inspired and enlightened me in countless ways on this lifelong journey! Resources: Podcasts: - The Upside Down Podcast : http://www.upsidedownpodcast.com/ - Freedom Road Podcast : https://freedomroad.us/ - Be the Bridge Podcast : https://bethebridge.com/podcast/ Books: - Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle - https://www.amazon.com/Tattoos-Heart-Power-Boundless-Compassion/dp/1439153159/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VWFXFGMBEJTO&keywords=tattoos+on+the+heart&qid=1652177084&s=books&sprefix=tattoos+on+the+heart%2Cstripbooks%2C1204&sr=1-1i - Rethinking Incarceration by Dominique Dubois Gilliard - https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Incarceration-Advocating-Justice-Restores/dp/0830845291/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X9PA8221FK0Q&keywords=rethinking+incarceration&qid=1652177057&s=books&sprefix=rethinking+incar%2Cstripbooks%2C145&sr=1-1 - Parenting for Peace and Justice by Kathleen and James McGinnis - https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Peace-Justice-Kathleen-McGinnis/dp/0883443767/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11IZ2FMTVGI32&keywords=parenting+for+peace+and+justice&qid=1652179155&s=books&sprefix=parenting+for+peace+and+justice%2Cstripbooks%2C145&sr=1-1 - Becoming Human by Jean Vanier - https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Human-10th-Anniversary-Vanier/dp/0809145871 - Non-Violent Communication by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg - https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X People: - Lisa Sharon Harper : https://lisasharonharper.com/uu - Salem Afangideh : https://twitter.com/obonganwansalem - Heather Thompson Day : https://www.heatherthompsonday.com/ - Austin Channing Brown : http://austinchanning.com/ - Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis : https://jacquijlewis.com/ - Morgan Harper Nichols : https://morganharpernichols.com/ - Tamika Mallory : https://www.instagram.com/mrs.tamika_.mallory/ - Angela Rye : https://angelarye.com/ - Dr. Brene Brown : https://brenebrown.com/ - Aundi Kolber : https://aundikolber.com/ Follow us to stay updated on future episodes! Instagram: @pleaseletmefinishpod Facebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod  Tik Tok: @pleaseletmefinishpod Twitter: @plmfpodcast PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

Thanks for tuning in for episode 6 of the PLMF Podcast! I made ya’ll a promise and I am SO ready to deliver on it! I had another incredible conversation with a DEAR friend of the podcast, Bolanle Ojo, and this is one you're going to want to share with your people. Bolanle is *literally* in her final days of her graduate program and was absolutely so gracious in taking the time to join us for a Part II! On this episode, we are tackling some topics that might feel a little touchy, but I have faith that the PLMF family will be ready and willing to actively listen and lead with compassion in response to the perspectives shared.  *Trigger Warning: This episode contains topics and content that may be distressing. Topics include racism, police brutality, and homicide.* Bolanle and I had an open, honest discussion about the 2020 murder of George Floyd, the origins of and misinformation surrounding the BLM organization and the Black Lives Matter movement, and why it is vital to the health and well-being of our brothers and sisters of color that we talk about these things openly— even when we have reservations. I hope you feel encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to run into your neighborhoods, your small groups, your families and friends -- and invite them into the conversation. We should all already agree that Black lives matter, but in order to more forward toward true unity and justice, we must collective acknowledge that the Black experience, the Black perspective, and the Black voice matter -- even if you don't agree with what is being said. As we expect our experiences and feelings to be validated, so too must we bear witness to the painful stories that our brothers and sisters of color have to share about their experiences. The discomfort we feel hearing it pales in comparison to the sorrow that has been lived by generations of families and communities all around us. It's time to listen, to turn from the thought patterns or behaviors that contribute to the discrimination and harm of minority groups, and love IN ACTION by having the courage to discuss these topics with our own people. If you're enjoying the podcast, there are 3 spectacular ways to support: 1) SHARE the podcast on social media and via text with your people! 2) RATE the podcast 5 STARS if you would be so kind! 3) REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts with just a few words on what you love about PLMF, a guest or story that resonated with you, or how it's helped you communicate or understand something better! These 3 things really help us to get these open-hearted conversations in front of more people, and we thank you for supporting just by tuning in! Resources from Bolanle: - So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates - The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby - Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women White Feminists Forgot by Mikki Kendall Scriptures:  - John 11:33-35 - Galatians 6:2 - Romans 12:15  - Jeremiah 22:3  --- All scriptures are read from the New English Translation. Follow us to stay updated on future episodes! Instagram: @pleaseletmefinishpod Facebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod  Tik Tok: @pleaseletmefinishpod Twitter: @plmfpodcast Special Thanks to: Anna Mann PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome

Get ready for the first-ever BONUS episode of the PLMF Podcast! As we rest in observance of Holy Week, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk a little bit about what I've been learning in this season of life, why reaching out to our people is so important, and what hope looks like in community. I also thought it could be nice to include a little guided meditation at the end, so listen all the way through to hear it! I want to thank each and every person who has listened, shared, and been part of our little PLMF family. I cherish you all and this space where we get to gather together every other week. I'm so happy I get to keep bringing you conversations for the open heart, uninterrupted.  Follow us to stay updated on future episodes! Instagram: @pleaseletmefinishpod Facebook: @pleaseletmefinishpod  Tik Tok: @pleaseletmefinishpod Twitter: @plmfpodcast PLMF Theme Song: Shelby Cate Newsome Episode analytics