Underestimated: Breaking Free from Fear and People-Pleasing with Mary Marantz
Have you ever felt like fear is holding you back from living the purpose God created you for? In this episode, Rachel welcomes fellow Richwood, West Virginia native Mary Marantz, who shares her transformative journey from a single-wide trailer to Yale Law School. Mary discusses her new book "Underestimated" and reveals how our biggest obstacle is often ourselves—not others' doubts. Together, they explore how Jacob made decisions out of fear before turning to prayer, the tension between people-pleasing and authentic faith, and why God calls us to trust His unique design for our lives rather than constantly seeking external validation. In this episode, you'll discover: How to recognize when you're underestimating yourself and break free from the "approval trap" that hinders your forward progress Why perfectionism is "hiding with better PR" and how it prevents you from stepping into your God-given calling Practical steps to move from people-pleasing to authentic positioning in your faith journey and daily life The power of consistency, even when you can't see immediate results from your faithful actions RESOURCES Take the quiz at namethefear.com Get the book, Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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44:45
Finding Freedom in Prayer
Join Rachel Wojo as she welcomes Kirby Kelly, author of "You Can Be Free," to discuss how authentic prayer breaks chains of habitual sin and perfectionism. In this vulnerable conversation, Kirby shares her journey of finding freedom through honest prayer and practical strategies that anyone can implement. This episode explores how prayer functions as more than a spiritual discipline; it is a pathway to true freedom when we approach God with authenticity rather than perfection. Listener Benefits: Discover the power of confession in prayer and why it's the crucial first step to freedom Learn the practical "red light/green light zones" framework for establishing boundaries against temptation Understand how to pray honestly without the burden of perfectionism or performing for God Gain wisdom on finding a trusted community for accountability and sustainable freedom RESOURCES Connect with Kirby Kelly Get Kirby's book, You Can Be Free Get Rachel's Book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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33:36
When Your Mom Is In Heaven
A heart-to-heart conversation about motherly loss, faith renewal, and finding God in grief's darkest moments In this soul-stirring episode of the Untangling Prayer podcast, Rachel Wojo welcomes Chelsea Alma Miller for an intimate conversation that feels less like an interview and more like eavesdropping on two friends sharing their deepest griefs and greatest hopes. Chelsea, author of "Now That She's Gone," opens her heart about losing her mother—"the most faithful person" she knew—and the spiritual wilderness she wandered through afterward. "The saddest part," she confesses, "is that I felt like in losing her, I lost my faith too." Yet seven years later, her prayer life has become "more profound and prolific" than before—a testament to faith reborn through fire. Rachel shares her own staggering losses—her mother at just 27, her daughter after a 22-year battle with terminal illness, and both her father and father-in-law within months of each other. Through these valleys, both women discovered a raw, honest way of praying that doesn't polish pain before presenting it to God. Their conversation invites you to: Release the shame of questioning God in grief Embrace grief as companion rather than enemy—"It's like a shadow that follows you... built from incredible love" Find meaningful support by simply showing up consistently for grieving friends Pray through fear instead of allowing it to dictate your future If you've ever stood at a graveside wondering where God went, this episode whispers: "You are not alone. Your broken prayers still reach heaven." The conversation closes with Chelsea's tender prayer for "grieving hearts wherever they are," a benediction that feels like a gentle hand holding yours in the darkness. RESOURCES Chelsea's book, Now That She's Gone: A collection of hope reflections for anyone who has lost a mother Rachel's book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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32:26
Breathing Prayer into Motherhood Mental Overload
Is your mind so full of everyone else's needs that prayer feels like one more impossible task? In this encouraging episode of Untangling Prayer, Rachel Wojo explores how to breathe prayer into motherhood mental overload. Learn how God meets you right in the middle of your mental chaos, not expecting you to clear your thoughts first. In this episode, you'll discover: What the mental load is and why research shows mothers carry over 70% of it How to pray when your mind is racing with to-dos, schedules, and responsibilities A soul-refreshing prayer specifically written for moments of mental overwhelm Practical ways to transform your scattered thoughts into powerful prayer connections Join Rachel as she shares her personal story of how God met her in a season of mental overload. You'll walk away with renewed confidence that your cluttered mind isn't a barrier to prayer—it's an invitation to experience God's presence in a deeper way. RESOURCE Order the beautiful prayer cards, 31 Prayers for A Mom's Heart or 31 Prayers for the Heart mentioned in this episode. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Praying through Mom Guilt and Finding Grace
Does the weight of mom guilt keep you awake at night, replaying all the ways you think you've failed your children? In this heartfelt episode of Untangling Prayer, Rachel Wojo explores how prayer transforms our experience with mom guilt. Learn how to move from paralyzing shame to liberating grace as you discover what God really thinks about your motherhood journey. In this episode, you'll discover: How to distinguish between healthy conviction and unhealthy mom guilt that keeps you stuck Practical prayer strategies that shift your focus from perfection to God's presence A beautiful prayer specifically written for moments when mom guilt feels overwhelming Ways to model grace-filled living for your children through your own prayer journey Join Rachel as she helps you exchange the burden of mom guilt for the freedom of God's grace, one prayer at a time. You'll walk away with renewed confidence that even on your worst days, God's love for you—and your children—remains unchanged. RESOURCE Order the beautiful prayer cards, 31 Prayers for A Mom's Heart, mentioned in this episode. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How do I pray during challenging times? How can I grow closer to God despite life's hardships? How can I find peace and purpose when life feels overwhelming and stressful?
Welcome to the Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo podcast, a sanctuary where we navigate the storms of life together, uncovering clarity and calm through faith, prayer, and practical wisdom.
Each week, author Rachel Wojo brings heartfelt conversations and insightful advice on living a life of peace and purpose. We dive deep into prayer, managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and finding joy amid trials. Through inspiring stories of individuals who have found hope and strength in their faith, you'll gain practical tips to help you navigate challenges.
Rachel's compassionate guidance will help you clear your mind, calm your heart, and draw closer to God, no matter what you're facing. With every episode, you'll learn how to untangle the knots of life and discover the peace and purpose you've been longing for.
You might be feeling overwhelmed. You might be feeling too paralyzed to pray.
But you have a home here. Together, we can find the strength to move forward.
Join Rachel Wojo on this journey of untangling life, one step at a time. You'll find all Rachel's resources HERE.
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