Podcast Archive ·

Episode 062 – Scott Erickson

Advent couldn't come soon enough for me this year; and I don't think I'm alone! Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with our conversation on his book, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now. Scott is an artist, which encompasses a whole host of creative … Continue reading Episode 062 – Scott Erickson

Episode 061 – David Swanson

David Swanson is the pastor of a multiracial congregation in Chicago and author of Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity. In a world where diversity is valued and even sought after, David recognizes it is not always the answer. Racial injustice cannot be addressed by an emphasis of diversity alone; true … Continue reading Episode 061 – David Swanson

Episode 060 – Unbelievable

How important are our words? How do they compare to our actions? The Apostle John and the late Brennan Manning have similar thoughts on the subject. When we say with our mouths we love God, but deny the assertion by denying to love our neighbors, we have failed. We make ourselves liars. Listen in as … Continue reading Episode 060 – Unbelievable

Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby

Jemar Tisby is the New York Times best-selling author of The Color of Compromse: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism. He is also the president and co-founder of The Witness - A Black Christian Collective. Jemar talked about the current civil rights movement, what Christians can do to educate themselves and gave … Continue reading Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby

Episode 058 – Justin Giboney

I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation with Justin Giboney. Justin is an attorney, political strategist and co-founder of the AND Campaign and talks to us about what it means to be faithfully and intellectually engaged in politics. We talk about why critical thinking in the political arena is so important and what … Continue reading Episode 058 – Justin Giboney

Episode 057 – Daniel Hill

Pastor Daniel Hill joined me to talk about his new book White Lies and it was powerful! White supremacy as an ideology has played an unfortunate role in the Church in America and we as believers have allowed it to continue on our watch for far too long. True, not everyone is intentionally promoting white … Continue reading Episode 057 – Daniel Hill

Episode 056 – Season 2 Opener!

I can't believe we've been going for a year! Thanks so much for listening! We're giving the podcast a bit of a facelift as we enter year two. We've always been about "faith, finance, and everyday life," but we're growing and evolving and as we enter Season 2 we're shifting the focus to "exploring God's … Continue reading Episode 056 – Season 2 Opener!

Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire

Today's conversation is with movement maker Terri Broussard Williams. Whether it's philanthropy, policy or building or joining a movement that aligns with your passion, Terri is here to help. This political season feels chaotic at best and hopeless at worst and I found myself succumbing to the whims of the culture. That's when I knew … Continue reading Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire

Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey

I am so excited about this episode with Chrystal! I don't know any Christian who hasn't struggled with aspects of his or her prayer life and Chrystal is no exception. Her new book The 28-Day Prayer Journey: A Daily Guide to Conversations with God began out of her own journey to see her relationship with … Continue reading Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey

Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life

Cara Meredith is an author, speaker, and conversationalist. She's also a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. But how I encountered her most meaningfully is as a student. Her spiritual memoir, The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Racial Justice tells the story of how Cara met and fell in love with her … Continue reading Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life

Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good

Megan Fate Marshman brings the encouragement in this conversation and in her new book Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You! Her joy is contagious and her teaching is challenging in the best way possible. In the book, Megan breaks down the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11, and the three … Continue reading Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good

Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity

What does it mean to affirm someone's dignity as a person? This question has been circling around in my head for months now. It seems like everywhere I turn I am hearing about it or reading about it and it's caused me to look deeper into what it means. How is our dignity inherent to … Continue reading Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity

Episode 050 – Mark Charles, Presidential Candidate and Author

Mark Charles is a speaker, author, advocate, and an independent candidate for President in the upcoming 2020 election. His new book, co-authored with Soong-Chan Rah is Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. To me, Mark is a conversation starter. His ideas bring to the forefront truths about our country and … Continue reading Episode 050 – Mark Charles, Presidential Candidate and Author

Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)

Pastor and author Ashlee Eiland and her husband, Delwin, are both on staff at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI where Delwin leads worship and Ashlee serves as a Formation and Preaching Pastor. Ashlee has a message that could not be more relevant and timely for us living in the current cultural climate … Continue reading Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)

Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth

Michael Lacy is definitely one of my favorite voices in the personal finance space today! He coaches, hosts a podcast, writes, and offers resources on all things money through his company Winning To Wealth. He also recently was laid off from his job as a result of slow downs due to the coronavirus pandemic (affectionately … Continue reading Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth

Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project

Adam and Randi Blair are the married couple behind the diversity consulting firm, The Selah Project. Their current work in helping churches create more diverse communities is birthed from their experience in being an interracial couple in ministry. I love what they say about the training they provide to leaders and congregations - that it … Continue reading Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project

Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

Sean Dietrich, better known as Sean of the South, is a popular blogger and storyteller. He hosts a podcast and is the author of his memoir and most recent book, Will the Circle Be Unbroken? A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be Okay. If you know me in real life, you know there's … Continue reading Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?

Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race

Here on the podcast, we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life. You have surely noticed that recently in our country, and really across the world, eyes have turned to racial injustice in America. I have not shied away from talking about race on the podcast because this topic definitely fits into the original premise. … Continue reading Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race

Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University

The soon to be Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley was on the podcast and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite conversations to date! Malcolm is a PhD candidate at Baylor University and his dissertation research asks the question, how Black Protestants affirmed their own dignity in the late 19th and early 20th … Continue reading Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University

Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco

This conversation with Gary was recorded on May 29, 2020. Gary Wardlaw is the founder and co-owner of The Relationship Clinic of Waco. Heholds a dual license as a Marriage and Family Therapist and as a ProfessionalCounselor in both Texas and Virginia. Gary’s skill development has come from an arrayof clinical settings. Prior to relocating … Continue reading Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco

Episode 041 – Neisha Pittman, Nothin But God

It is not everyday that I get to interview one of my closest friends for the podcast, but today you'll hear one of those times! Neisha Pittman is a believer in Jesus, wife to Michael, and owner of the apparel brand Nothin But God. Neisha's testimony of how she met Jesus is nothing short of … Continue reading Episode 041 – Neisha Pittman, Nothin But God

Episode 040 – Repenting for Racism

Join me today in a conversation and prayer of repentance for racism in our country. We look to men like Daniel and Ezra who were not afraid to call out the sins of their ancestors and repent on their behalf. They lived with integrity in their generations and are examples for us to do likewise. … Continue reading Episode 040 – Repenting for Racism

Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw

Dr. Christina Crenshaw is a full-time lecturer at Baylor University where she teaches on faith, writing, and vocational and church leadership, among other topics. She has researched, written, and spoken extensively on human trafficking and she is an advocate for biblical justice. In our conversation we used her experience in human trafficking to frame a … Continue reading Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw

Episode 038 – Shannan Martin

I had a blast talking to Shannan Martin! Shannan is a speaker, writer, mom, and wife to Cory who works as a chaplain at the local jail. I finished her first book Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted literally only moments before our interview and I'm pretty sure I'm digesting parts of … Continue reading Episode 038 – Shannan Martin

Episode 037 – Budgeting Beyond Quarantine

A good, effective budget will always reflect our values. It's one thing to get numbers on a page or inside an app, but they're just numbers if they don't actually represent what's important to you. My bet is during this quarantine time you have, almost as a reflex, started to think about what really matters … Continue reading Episode 037 – Budgeting Beyond Quarantine

Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church

It's not everyday that I get to interview such a dear, personal friend for the podcast! Through this episode, I have the absolute privilege of introducing you to Andrew Franklin. Andrew serves as the Counseling Pastor of Antioch Church in Norman, OK. Seth and I have known Andrew for around 15 years and to say … Continue reading Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church

Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble

Jeanne Bishop is an attorney, advocate, and author. Her most recent book release, Grace from the Rubble, tells the story of Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh who was convicted of bombing the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 and Bud Welch, who is the father of one of the … Continue reading Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble

Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses

This weekend we celebrated Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection far away from our loved ones, under stay-at-home orders, and inside of an epidemic. But we can still respond to His resurrection relationally. It's what we saw the women do when they found an empty tomb. It's what His disciples did when they had dinner with … Continue reading Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses

Episode 033 – Mike Hickman

Mike Hickman is hilarious! He is a comedian, actor, and musician and we first saw him perform his variety act last year and cracked up the whole time! But all of Mike's life hasn't been fun and games. He and his family suffered the tragic loss of their son just over five years ago. In … Continue reading Episode 033 – Mike Hickman

Episode 032 – Kim Harms

Kim Harms is a wife, mom, believer, and freelance writer. Kim's diagnosis of breast cancer came just one month after turning forty. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and five months of reconstruction. I'm so thankful for Kim's vulnerability and openness about her process. She's putting the finishing touches on her first … Continue reading Episode 032 – Kim Harms

Episode 031 – Giving During a Crisis

We're talking generosity during a crisis situation today with none other than (drumroll please...…) Seth Busetti! My hubs joins me on this episode to talk about how to walk out giving during a crisis, like the current coronavirus. With so many people isolated and losing jobs, how can we reach out and give money, time, … Continue reading Episode 031 – Giving During a Crisis

Episode 030 – Sam Storms

"Thou shalt not do at all what others do poorly," was a commandment Dr. Sam Storms lived by for 20 years in ministry. Sam was pastoring in my hometown of Ardmore, OK when his life was turned upside down by the person and power of the Holy Spirit. Sam and his friend Jack Deere had … Continue reading Episode 030 – Sam Storms

Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House

I can't wait for you to hear this conversation with Michael Meissner of Abba's House! Michael, who has been a pastor for 27 years, his wife Julie, and their children live right where they minister. They welcome refuge families, one at a time, into their home where they show them the love of Jesus in … Continue reading Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House

Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath

Have you noticed a curiosity regarding Sabbath reemerging in the Church lately? It's beautiful! I think we're starting to notice how worn out we are and we're seeking rest and relaxation in the form of the Sabbath. My family and I have been on a similar journey for almost two decades now and God has … Continue reading Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath

Episode 027 – Kristi Hayes of Be Strong Story

My heart melted listening to Kristi Hayes, co-founder of her family's company Be Strong Story. Yes, her family mission as we know it now began with a lunchbox note from her husband to her son encouraging him to "Be Strong. Protect the weak. Love everyone." But God was on the move in her life long … Continue reading Episode 027 – Kristi Hayes of Be Strong Story

Episode 026 – Jason Houser with Seeds Family Worship

Get ready! For those of you who don't already know Jason, please let me have the honor of introducing him to you! Jason Houser and the team at Seeds Family Worship write, sing, play, record, and produce the most amazing songs made up entirely of Scripture verses! Each track is word-for-word Bible passages set to … Continue reading Episode 026 – Jason Houser with Seeds Family Worship

Episode 025 – Brokenness

Ugh. We're all broken, but sometimes we don't realize it until we get turned upside down or, on the other hand, we see the cracks at the most inopportune time like when something new and exciting comes our way. My grandmother's coffee mug, slipped out of my hand and bounced off my hardwood kitchen floor … Continue reading Episode 025 – Brokenness

Episode 024 – Brandon Roberson, Face to Face Ministries

Whoa! Brandon Roberson and I had a blast talking worship on the podcast! It was one of those conversations where we didn't quite know what to expect going in, but by the time it was over, I felt like I had gone to school. I first met Brandon when he was playing keys for Paul … Continue reading Episode 024 – Brandon Roberson, Face to Face Ministries

Episode 023 – Seth Postell with One For Israel

"Everything you're looking for can be found in Jesus!" This is the quote Dr. Seth Postell of One For Israel shared with me when we met at a banquet in September of 2019. It's simple, but its impact has been profound in my life. Seth is a professor at Israel College of the Bible and … Continue reading Episode 023 – Seth Postell with One For Israel

Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class

God gave us a community to do this following Jesus thing with and that community is called Church. And, in some ways church is like a group exercise class at your local gym. We're together, working, and learning from each other and an instructor the art and science of following Jesus and loving Him and … Continue reading Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class

Episode 021 – Annie Lobert, Hookers for Jesus

What I love most about Annie's story is it screams REDEMPTION! Annie grew up not unlike many other girls her age in the Midwest. When she imagined what her future would hold, "call girl" wasn't included in her wildest dreams. But that's exactly where she found herself. As she tells us in this interview and … Continue reading Episode 021 – Annie Lobert, Hookers for Jesus

Episode 020 – Money Conversations with Tiffany

All the single ladies (and gentlemen)! This is a conversation you do not want to miss! Tiffany is a single client and friend and she is CRUSHING it when it comes to her relationship with money #relationshipgoals. Tiffany is a business owner, home owner, and a strong woman of God who has positioned herself to … Continue reading Episode 020 – Money Conversations with Tiffany

Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance

Mental health struggles within the church aren't usually included in the popular topics of conversation, but that is changing in no small part thanks to organizations like The Grace Alliance. In this episode I host Casey Pruet of The Grace Alliance and she talks about the importance of helping the church serve one another inside … Continue reading Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance

Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us

Emmanuel, the invisible God, being with us is a hard concept to grasp for us humans. We're used to being around things we can see, more specifically, things that look kind of like us. But God, who is entirely "other," came to earth to show us who He is, so we would never have to … Continue reading Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us

Episode 017 – The Family of God

Have you ever thought about what it means to be part of the family of God? That God Himself hand-selected you to be His son or daughter? It feels almost unbelievable - too good to be true - but it isn't! God loves you with an eternal love and He wants you to know your … Continue reading Episode 017 – The Family of God

Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2

Nathan Wilbur is back! If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen; he shared all about growing up as a son in Paul Wilbur's house. Now Nathan tells us about his role as director of Wilbur Ministries and what God is doing through First Fridays in his church in Florida. He … Continue reading Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2

Episode 015 – Nathan Wilbur Part 1 of 2

Nathan Wilbur is the director of Wilbur Ministries and son of the internationally known Christian recording artist, Paul Wilbur. In this episode, Nathan was so gracious to let me pick his brain about growing up in a home where ministry was at the forefront and the family business was on stage in public. We talk … Continue reading Episode 015 – Nathan Wilbur Part 1 of 2

Episode 014 – Money Conversations with Monica

Handling money can feel confusing. And marriage has its own challenges. So when you put the two together, usually involving two very different people no less, it can get.....complicated. Listen in on this coaching session style episode where my friend Monica Harris asks her most pressing money and marriage questions and I do my best … Continue reading Episode 014 – Money Conversations with Monica

Episode 013 – Table Fellowship

Have you ever thought about Communion in the context of the Psalm 23? What about Peter's denial and redemption in the context of the first Passover out of Egypt? They have more in common than you might think. In all of these, God prepares a table to SHARE with us in the presence of our … Continue reading Episode 013 – Table Fellowship

Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2

Oh my goodness! This conversation with Sarah will get your mind spinning for all the different kinds of work that needs done in the Kingdom! Sarah shares with us about her organization Saving Moses and what they do to save and improve children's lives around the world. In this conversation, we specifically focus on their … Continue reading Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2

Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2

We all know God deeply desires for us to hear His voice, but how do we do that? Part of it comes as a gift, and part of it is learned. Listen in as Sarah Bowling tells us about growing up in a household where learning to hear from the Holy Spirit became second nature. … Continue reading Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2

Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth

Have you ever built a house? Even the thought of that kind of project makes me a little nauseous. All the details! But God built a house that got torn down and rebuilt again. Then, it got destroyed and raised up in all of us! We are the new temple of God and Jesus is … Continue reading Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth

Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie

Have you ever felt like God was moving you to a new stage or even a new state in your career? Were you completely sure or did you have some uncertainty surrounding whether you should stay or go? Well, you are not alone. Coppelia joins us this week to share her journey from Puerto Rico … Continue reading Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie

Episode 008 – Money Conversations with Rachel

Join us for the first Money Conversations episode on That Makes Total Sense! This week Alexis interviews Rachel Hendrick of Mercy Creates. As Rachel and her husband Jacob were going through their debt free journey, they were hit hard when a government program didn't pay off like they expected. So, they started to pray and … Continue reading Episode 008 – Money Conversations with Rachel

Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2

On the first episode, Bob gave us a look into his journey from aspiring educator to accidental comedian. This time, he shares how his faith foundation revealed itself when his marriage fell apart after 17 years. But don't worry, there's a happy ending! Bob's wife even texted during the interview and one of his "bonus" … Continue reading Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2

Episode 006 – Bob Smiley Part 1 of 2

You guys! Bob Smiley is hilarious! I had the privilege of meeting him at an event this summer. In this first of two episodes, Bob takes us down memory lane. Then he shares how that lane took a sharp turn from education major to stand-up comic. Episode Transcript: Intro 00:44 Welcome to that makes total … Continue reading Episode 006 – Bob Smiley Part 1 of 2

Episode 005 – Money is Like a Chainsaw

Have you ever heard the analogy that money is like a brick? It's a fine example, but not nearly dynamic enough in my opinion. Explore with me 5 ways I think money is more like a chainsaw! Episode Transcript:Intro 0:44 Hi, I'm Alexis Busetti and welcome to That Makes Total Sense! So this is the … Continue reading Episode 005 – Money is Like a Chainsaw

Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2

In the second half of my conversation with Michelle McKinney she offers us her expertise in empowering women to live their God-given dreams! She shares about her experiences of taking high-level executives from "here to there" and how we can do the same with the help of some simple steps she'll teach us. Her passion … Continue reading Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2

Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2

Listen in on this amazing conversation with Michelle McKinney! Michelle is the founder and Dream Architect of Dreams Unleashed. In Part 1, Michelle talks about losing her mother at a young age. She also shares about adopting her own daughter and how God taught her about pain, redemption, and calling from both experiences. Learn more … Continue reading Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2

Episode 002 – The Price is Right!

In college, God started really speaking to me about personal finance (or more accurately, I started really listening). From an often misinterpreted verse in the gospel of Matthew to an old, red Mitsubishi, I learned lessons about money I (and I hope, YOU) will never forget! Episode Transcript: Intro 0:44 Hi, I'm Alexis and welcome … Continue reading Episode 002 – The Price is Right!

Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure

Have you ever found yourself digging through the trash looking for something precious when there you are, up to your elbows in banana peels and dirty napkins, and God speaks a word to you? Not really? All alone out here? Well, listen in to what I heard Him say when I was doing just that. … Continue reading Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure

Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer

Welcome to the That Makes Total Sense! podcast. I'm Alexis Busetti and I'm so glad you're here! This is the place where we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life in a way that makes total sense. It's not so much about changing our convictions as it is about messing with our methods. So grab … Continue reading Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer

That Makes Total Sense!

Podcast launching September 9! Have you ever been going along in life, doing something the way you’ve always done it, and then seen someone comes beside you and does it completely differently? Maybe it’s those conversations we’ve all had – they range from deep faith issues, to parenting, to finances, to work and we’ve always … Continue reading That Makes Total Sense!