No More Perfect Podcast with Jill Savage

Jill Savage

Join Jill Savage here on the No More Perfect Podcast as she talks about the messy, less-than-perfect, real stuff of life. Featuring hard-earned wisdom, well-known authors and speakers, inspiring messages, and stories of real families that must be told, the No More Perfect Podcast is designed to be both inspirational and practical. An author, speaker, and coach, Jill is the founder and former CEO of Hearts at Home a ministry that served moms for 24 years. She has been featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today Radio, and Dr. Gary Chapman’s Building Relationships shows. She is the author or co-author of fourteen books including Professionalizing Motherhood, No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Marriages (with her husband Mark), and her most recent release Empty Nest Full Life. All show notes can be found at www.JillSavage.org/podcast Have ideas for subjects you need to hear about or guests you'd love to see? Send all your suggestions to resources@jillsavage.org! Love the show? Please leave a review to help others find this encouragement! read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

Overcoming Trauma with Cathy Applington | Episode 190
Mar 19 2024
Overcoming Trauma with Cathy Applington | Episode 190
How do you respond when someone else’s choices wreak havoc on your life?Sometimes, someone else's choices can turn the lives of those closest to them upside down. I've certainly experienced that in my own life, and yet, even in the most unfair circumstances, God wastes nothing.Today, my friend Cathy Applington is joining me to help us better understand how hope can be restored even when relationships can't. In 2013, Cathy’s world was shaken to the core as her husband’s actions caused life-changing consequences for her and her family. Cathy was a pastor's wife here in Normal, IL, and today she works with Sanctuary in Trauma, a ministry for women who have suffered from trauma and loss.In this episode, we talk about:A passage in Scripture that held Cathy steady when her world was falling apartAllowing family members space to heal from trauma in their own wayHow Cathy’s journey led to the creation of Sanctuary in TraumaAnd more!I know you’ll appreciate Cathy’s wisdom as much as I do!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/cathy-applington-190Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life with Brenda Yoder | Episode 189
Mar 12 2024
Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life with Brenda Yoder | Episode 189
Have you ever been in a season of life where you felt trapped in a relentless lifestyle?Years ago, Mark and I wrote a book called Living with Less so Your Family Has More. One of the key concepts woven throughout that book was the idea of choosing to live with less stress, less money, and less activities than what is the cultural norm. When I read Brenda Yoder’s new book, Uncomplicated, I felt like I had a friend with a similar passion for that message, so I asked her to join me here on the podcast. Brenda is a counselor, speaker, author, and educator from Shipshewana, Indiana. She is the author of Fledge: Launching Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind and Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life. In this episode, you’ll hear:Lessons Brenda has gained from observing the slower-paced Amish cultureHow living an uncomplicated life starts on the inside, not with your calendarWhy too much information can decrease our self-confidence And more!I know you’ll enjoy this conversation with my friend, Brenda!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/brenda-yoder-189Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Raising Anxious Kids with Kimberly Sells | Episode 188
Mar 5 2024
Raising Anxious Kids with Kimberly Sells | Episode 188
I wish this weren’t the reality we face, but the truth is that anxiety is skyrocketing among people of all ages and stages of life. When you add the whirlwind of teenage hormones into the mix, you’re looking at anxiety amplified to the max.Joining me for this conversation is Kimberly Sells, a mom of four who lives in Wisconsin near beautiful Lake Michigan. Kim has learned some hard parenting lessons on faith, trust, and surrender during a stormy season of raising an anxious teenage girl. I am so grateful that Kim, with her daughter’s permission, is sharing her story with us today.Kim’s daughter was a seventh-grader thriving in the world of competitive gymnastics when the pandemic brought ordinary life to a halt, launching her into a three-year journey with debilitating anxiety and depression.In this episode, you’ll hear:Lessons Kim learned through her daughter’s anxiety journeyInsights for dealing with our own strong emotions when we see our kids struggleWhy mentors are so crucial along with practical tips for finding a mentorAnd more!I hope you find this conversation with Kim as courageous and inspiring as I did!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/kimberly-sells-188Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Finding Your Prayer Personality with Janet McHenry | Episode 187
Feb 27 2024
Finding Your Prayer Personality with Janet McHenry | Episode 187
Do you ever find yourself feeling paralyzed when it comes to prayer? You certainly wouldn't be alone! However, what if prayer could be as effortless as chatting with a friend? Many of us struggle to understand prayer because we've only witnessed it modeled in a formal way before meals, at bedtime, or at church.What if we could learn to engage in regular, honest conversation with God?In today's episode, we're diving into how we can cultivate a personal prayer life and discover our unique prayer styles. Joining me for this conversation is Janet McHenry, a national speaker and the author of 27 books, including Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style.In this episode, we'll explore:The difference between having a "prayer life" and a "praying life"Examples we see in the Bible of various styles of prayerHow understanding your prayer personality can enhance your relationship with GodAnd more!I'm praying you'll find value in this conversation with Janet!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/janet-mchenry-187Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Navigating Conflict with Donna Jones | Episode 186
Feb 20 2024
Navigating Conflict with Donna Jones | Episode 186
Conflict…it’s one of our favorite topics in the world. Just kidding! Most of us try to steer clear of conflict, and those of us who embrace it honestly don’t always handle it in the healthiest ways. We’ve certainly all had moments where we looked back at how we handled a conflict and wondered: Why did I handle it that way?In this conversation, we are taking a look at the many aspects of conflict, from how we can honor God when we’ve been hurt, how to communicate when we’d rather retaliate, and how we can move toward others when it seems so much easier to run away.Joining me for today’s episode is my friend, Donna Jones. Donna is deeply passionate about helping us apply God’s Word so it changes our lives, our relationships, and our world. She is a pastor’s wife and an international speaker. Donna is also the author of four books, including her latest, Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life.In this conversation, you’ll hear:The single factor that determines success in resolving conflictCommon mistakes that make conflict worseTips for having hard conversationsAnd so much more!It's a treat to have Donna back on the podcast. Listen in!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/donna-jones-186Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
What to Do When Waiting with Tiarra Atkinson | Episode 185
Feb 13 2024
What to Do When Waiting with Tiarra Atkinson | Episode 185
If you’ve heard our marriage story, then you likely know that I believed our marriage could be restored even when Mark had checked out and was pursuing another relationship. This is often referred to as “standing for your marriage,” but it could also be described as a waiting season. While I wouldn’t wish a season like this on anyone, the lessons I learned while waiting were invaluable. Those lessons have become the heart of our online course, The Wait Is Not Wasted.Several of my friends and coaching clients have also had to endure this season of waiting in their marriage, and my friend Tiarra Atkinson is one of them. Tiarra married her husband, Anthony, in May of 1999, but there was a season when she had to stand for her marriage for nearly two years.Tiarra Atkinson is a licensed clinical social worker and a self-described “brain science nerd.” She works at a brain health center as a therapist specializing in the intersection of physical and mental health.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Tiarra’s story of standing for her marriageFactors that can contribute to your relationship breaking downHow to utilize a season of waitingAnd so much more!I’m grateful that Tiarra and Anthony are open about their story! Even if you are not struggling in your marriage, there are so many powerful takeaways you’ll hear in this episode. Listen in!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/tiarra-atkinson-185Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
How to Forgive Yourself | Episode 184
Feb 6 2024
How to Forgive Yourself | Episode 184
We want to talk with you about a question Mark and I get asked often. People really struggle with finding an answer or finding resolve to this question: How do I forgive myself? Many times, they would say, I can’t, or I don’t even understand what I should do with that. Sometimes, it can feel like you are “unforgivable,” and it would be better if you just locked those feelings away. When we choose not to address it, it can lead to bitterness, self-loathing, self-hatred, and more. Those feelings don’t stay locked away; they leak out all over the relationships that mean the most to you and can eat away at your soul.If you’ve made a mistake or if you’ve really messed up, you have to walk through the steps of self-forgiveness, which is the topic of this episode.In this episode, you'll hear:Your steps of self-forgivenessThe power of God’s forgivenessWhat work you likely still have to do after forgivenessAnd more!Join us for this important conversation!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/forgive-yourself-184Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Sanity in the Chaos of Everyday Life with Cynthia Yanof | Episode 183
Jan 30 2024
Sanity in the Chaos of Everyday Life with Cynthia Yanof | Episode 183
Life can be a bit messy. Whether that’s a literal mess of toys all over your living room, a kitchen full of dirty dishes, and laundry piled high or an internal mess of feeling behind on work, issues in our relationships, and more!Whatever mess you are facing in your life I have a truth for you—God is at work even in the mess. We can sometimes struggle to believe that statement! The truth is that God is present in the messiness of life.I can’t think of a better guest to help us navigate the mess than a woman who wrote a book titled Life Is Messy, God Is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life. Joining me today is Cynthia Yanof. She is a wife, mother, podcaster, blogger, author, and an everyday girl who is committed to not taking herself too seriously. Cynthia is passionate about speaking, writing, foster care, and hanging out with as many friends as possible.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Cynthia’s experience of foster care and adoptionThe inspiration behind her bookCommon lies we believe about the struggle of lifeHow to find sanity in the chaois oAnd so much more!Listen in as we talk about the messy, less-than-perfect parts of life!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/cynthia-yanof-183Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Overcoming Fear, Anxiety, and Trauma with Karen Bettison | Episode 182
Jan 23 2024
Overcoming Fear, Anxiety, and Trauma with Karen Bettison | Episode 182
Adversity is a part of life. We can sometimes think that having a relationship with Jesus makes us exempt from hardships that can cause fear, anxiety, and even trauma. While that isn’t the case, it is true that our relationship with Jesus can change how we handle and respond to the adversity that comes into our lives.Joining me for this conversation is Karen Bettison. Karen served as a Bible translator, a literary specialist, and a medical missionary with Pioneer Bible Translators for 25 years. She currently works as a nurse and has been an educator, author, speaker, and Bible study leader in the US and Africa. Karen is the author of the new book I Will Fear No Evil: A Missionary’s Faith Journey Through Fear, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. Karen and her husband, Jim, have raised four children and reside in rural Missouri.In this episode, you’ll hear:The unique support missionaries needReminders that hardship is a reality for everyoneHow God can use what you’ve been throughAnd so much more!Listen in as Karen shares more about her experiences as a missionary and how she has overcome adversity in her own life.Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/karen-bettison-182Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Silencing the Lies That Steal Your Confidence with Sharon Jaynes | Episode 179
Jan 9 2024
Silencing the Lies That Steal Your Confidence with Sharon Jaynes | Episode 179
Do you have a book you’ve read that you feel like everyone should read? For us, that book is Enough by Sharon Jaynes.It was on our shelf 12 years ago when Mark and I were restoring our marriage. Even though it is written for a female reader, Mark read it and was profoundly changed by it. Now, it’s the number one resource we recommend to our coaching clients who struggle with self-worth.Sharon is a dear friend of mine and although she has been on the podcast a number of times, we have not had an episode that focused on her book Enough. Today, we are going to fix that as we talk about the core message of silencing the lies that steal your confidence.For 10 years, Sharon served as Vice President of Proverbs 31 Ministries and she also was a co-host for their daily radio feature. She’s a speaker and the author of 26 books.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Sharon’s journey that led her to write EnoughThe root of the lies we believePractical ways we can replace lies with truthAnd so much more!I know you will love this conversation with Sharon. Listen in!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/sharon-jaynes-179Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
All Things Marriage with Jay and Laura Laffoon | Episode 177
Dec 12 2023
All Things Marriage with Jay and Laura Laffoon | Episode 177
Have you heard of a “marriage edu-tainer” before? It’s a combination of education and entertainment all around the topic of marriage. When Mark and I do marriage coaching, we like to be sure the advice we give comes with a dose of compassion, honest conversation with occasional humor, and that it helps you know you’re not alone while taking your marriage to the next level.When we met fellow marriage coaches Jay and Laura Laffoon, we immediately connected with their humorous style and genuine hearts. The Laffoons are self-proclaimed marriage edu-tainers and are real people with real lives walking through a real marriage. Sound familiar?Jay and Laura host the Celebrate Your Marriage event at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island yearly. Their humorous and entertaining transparency offers couples permission to laugh with each other and the courage to continue growing a future together.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Three issues that consistently show up in marriagesThe role of sex in marriageOne of the best things you can do for your marriage each dayAnd so much more!We hope you enjoy their witty style and advice as much as we do!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/jay-laura-laffoon-177Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
You Were Meant for More with Kelly Needham | Episode 176
Dec 5 2023
You Were Meant for More with Kelly Needham | Episode 176
Do you ever get the feeling that you are meant for something more? Or maybe you struggle with wanting to do something great, while longing for a simple, ordinary life. We can often feel the tension between these two and wonder if we have to sacrifice one for the other.My guest today has written a book all about this tension. Kelly Needham knows what it is like to long for a feeling of purpose in the here and now. Kelly and her husband, Jimmy, co-host their podcast, Clearly. She is also the author of a new book titled Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough.What I want you to know is that you were absolutely meant for something more but the answer isn’t to go bigger or smaller. Listen in to my conversation with Kelly to find out what I mean!In this conversation, you’ll hear:Kelly’s story of longing for something moreThe importance of shepherding your own heartHow to find fulfillment todayAnd so much more!Thanks for listening!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/kelly-needham-176Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Developing a Personal Mission Beyond the Church with Pete Cocco | Episode 173
Nov 14 2023
Developing a Personal Mission Beyond the Church with Pete Cocco | Episode 173
As the old saying goes, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. I have the privilege of receiving a lot of newly published books in my mailbox, but rarely do I get truly excited about them. However, when I saw the cover of my friend’s new book, I couldn’t wait to start reading it.The title of the book is You Have Permission: Developing a Personal Mission Beyond the Walls of Church by Pete Cocco. I love that message! God has a mission for you—a simple, unique, and personal mission that extends beyond the walls of the church. This topic has been a passion of mine for quite a while now and I love that Pete is providing a vision of something we all need to understand.Pete Cocco loves seeing people reach their God-given potential. In addition to being a campus minister for 25 years, he has served as a pioneer coach in multiple ministries and organizations in over ten countries. It’s his experience outside the walls of the church that has produced in him an unwavering belief that all people need to be activated toward a personal mission.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Why you should give yourself permission to dream bigWhy your mission doesn’t have to occur in the churchThe five permissions to help you understand your personal missionAnd so much more!Thanks for listening in and learning more about this topic with me!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/pete-cocco-173Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...
Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms with Dr. Michelle Bengtson | Episode 172
Nov 7 2023
Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms with Dr. Michelle Bengtson | Episode 172
God is known as “the comforter,” but in times of pain, it can be hard to feel like He is near to us. Those who experience ongoing pain know all too well that it reaches far beyond the physical body. Pain is felt emotionally; it’s felt spiritually, relationally, and even financially for many people. Even when healing seems very far away, the tenderness of God’s love is near to us.Having personally experienced the trials and hardships of pain, my guest, Dr. Michelle Bengtson, gives hope and help through her podcast,  social media channels, and new book, The Hem of His Garment: Reaching out to God When Pain Overwhelms.As a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, Michelle offers a unique expertise that combines years of clinical study with deep biblical application to give readers a more holistic understanding of their pain and their place in God’s family.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Michelle’s journey through painThe things we can learn from experiencing painWhat to do when we are in the depths of painAnd so much more!I hope you benefit from this fresh take on pain and God's faithfulness in times of trouble!Show Notes: https://jillsavage.org/michelle-bengtson-172/Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill’s Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources: Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You’re the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest...