Why Tho

A tried and true episode of Why Tho, we share what we're loving right now and why. Big things, small things, book things, people things. Enjoy our last hoorah of what we're loving right now. As promised, check out the Neurocycle app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/neurocycle/id1460119837 BUY OUR BOOKS. If you've loved Why Tho, say thank you by purchasing our resources. That helps us get to write another one and also supports the good work we do in the world. Rise of the Truth Teller: https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Truth-Teller-Story-Gumption/dp/0801094380 Love Is the Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Prey Tell: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR She Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/She-Dreams-Live-Life-Created/dp/1501878328 Stay in touch over email with Tiffany and Ashley: Stay in the Know with Tiffany Bluhm: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ddf569266c9fe002607c57a After Hours with Ash: https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com/

We've had a good four-year run at Why Tho and today we look back at the episodes that made us laugh, think, and change. From our faith and politics series, to best guests, to cheese boards and frozen pizza, we've imparted wisdom and courage to this community. You'll get a good idea of what to go back and listen to on Why Tho and hear more about our journey together. BUY OUR BOOKS. If you've loved Why Tho, say thank you by purchasing our resources. That helps us get to write another one and also supports the good work we do in the world. Rise of the Truth Teller: https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Truth-Teller-Story-Gumption/dp/0801094380 Love Is the Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Prey Tell: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR She Dreams: https://www.amazon.com/She-Dreams-Live-Life-Created/dp/1501878328 STAY IN TOUCH OVER EMAIL WITH ASHLEY AND TIFFANY After Hours with Ash: https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com/ Stay in the Know with Tiffany Bluhm: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ddf569266c9fe002607c57a

Big News this week on Why Tho: This is one of our final episodes. Four years of weekly conversations between two dear friends about everything under the sun - we are so proud of this work and thankful to be in your eardrum every Thursday. Why Tho will remain available until Jesus comes back so you can access it anytime. So, we’re going out in our usual style, starting with Roast or Toast. From shows to books to therapists, here’s what we want to roast and what we want to toast. If Why Tho has been a blessing in your life, BUY OUR BOOKS! You didn’t listen to a single ad or deal with any bull crap from us, so as a thank you, order Ashley and Tiffany’s latest books. This goes a very long way in making sure they write another one in the future: Prey Tell by Tiffany Bluhm: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587434784/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tiffanybluhm-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1587434784&linkId=a06bd73b73edc18d0d8e3e19c7b3b643 Love Is the Resistance by Ashley Abercrombie: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Rise of the Truth Teller by Ashley Abercrombie: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0801094380

Cynicism and despair tempt us on the regular. One stroll through social media and the daily news can tank the serotonin levels. Danielle Strickland is an author, mentor, activist, and founder of Womens Speakers Collective, Brave Global, Amplify Peace, and more. Her justice work across the globe has given her a unique perspective on hope. Her passion for empowering women and holding people accountable for their actions is inspiring. In today's episode, we cover: - cynicism as the loss of hope in other people - despair as a sense of hopelessness - the brutal honesty of hope - hope in the wild of your past trauma and ordinary life right now You'll love this episode and we encourage you to share it with friends. Buy Danielle's book, The Other Side of Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Hope-Flipping-Rediscovering/dp/0785230173/ Visit her website for more resources, initiatives, and connection points: https://www.daniellestrickland.com/

What is hope without hardship? What is story without suffering? What is community without understanding? Today’s guest, therapist and author KJ Ramsey walks us through: -her experiences with autoimmune disease and disability -how we can find God in nature and friendship -Why success can sometimes become a burden -How we can keep hope alive when things feel like a dumpster fire You will love KJ! This interview is life-giving and full of wisdom. And laughter, of course. 🤣 Buy KJ’s new book, The Lord is My Courage which has the most beautiful cover and buy one to gift to a friend! https://amzn.to/3CidSiS

This summer at Why Tho, we learned from a friendship expert, therapist, and life planner. We wanted you to get the wisdom you need to build the ordinary rhythms and connections that help you grow. Summer can be death by a thousand cuts (or meltdowns) but it can also be a time to move slow, take breaks, and figure out what keeps you sane. We hope that’s what this series did for you! More to come since summer is not over but for now, we’re thankful you’re here. Let us know how our guests and this series helped you or made you laugh. Thanks for having us in your eardrum! Want more from Tiffany and Ashley? Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/TiffanyBluhm Www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie Read essays and join Ashley’s After Hours community: https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com Visit Tiffany’s website: www.tiffanybluhm.com

Today's episode is a TREAT with author, therapist, and certified Life Planner Chanel Dokun. In her work and in this episode, Chanel digs deep into what women feel and experience, pushing us all to look at beliefs that launch instead of limit, daily rhythms that encourage instead of thwart, and habits that cause us to embody our true lives instead of dissociate. You'll be encouraged and liberated to start your life now and Chanel can lead every step of the way. Buy her book and make it your next book club pick: https://amzn.to/3JwBuBO Say hello on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chanel.dokun/

Earth is a whole thing y'all so we brought therapist and mental health expert, Keisha Polonio, to give us rhythms and practices to help us in our ordinary life. Keisha says, "There's no quick fix for healing and no quick fix for the mental health issues you may be facing." It's too true and things like keeping a routine, standing in the sunshine, laughing with friends, and attending therapy sessions can help you survive summer. We're grateful for Keisha for her time. Follow her on Instagram (and drool over her water videos from Belize): https://www.instagram.com/therapywithkeisha/ If you're in Florida, check out Keisha's therapy practice. She specializes in spiritual and racial trauma, cancer support, life transitions, and stress management at the Counseling and Wellness Boutique: https://www.counselingandwellnessboutique.com/keisha As always, if you loved this episode, tell your friends! And take time to rate and review the show!

You're in for a treat this week with guest Shasta Nelson, author of Frientimacy. If you're finding your footing in female friendships, asking questions about boundaries, or wondering how to get to know new people, this episode is for you. Shasta lays out three things every friendship needs and explains that you don't need more time but better connections in your relationships. She's clear, helpful, and we loved this interview! If you did too, take a moment to share with friends - that helps other people find the show! You can also rate and review Why Tho to show your support. Interested in connecting with Tiffany and Ashley? Here's a few links to their work: www.tiffanybluhm.com The Resisterhood Cohort: https://forms.gle/YS7bstwKeENKaPJE6 www.ashabercrombie.org/book www.ashleyabercrombie.substack.com

If there's one thing we barely agree on, it's television options, but that's why today's episode is perfect. Ashley is being perfectly embarrassing by remembering no actors or actresses names. Tiffany, per usual, finds a way to bring up the Office and Parks and Recs. From true crime to Tiffany Haddish to superheroes, we've got you covered for the rest of summer. We're out here surviving with you, Why Tho Fam, and always grateful for you! Have you heard about Tiffany's mentorship program? It's going to be life-changing! Get more information here: https://forms.gle/YS7bstwKeENKaPJE6 Read Ashley's essays, like Pro-birth is Not Enough, over on the After Hours community: www.ashleyabercrombie.substack.com

First, our hearts are with you this week as we are all processing the SCOTUS decision on Roe. Wherever you are on the map, we're thinking of you. We're in this together. And very thankful to have a series on survival. Clearly, we need it! Second, what is summer if not liminal space persisting? Perhaps you start your day or your week with a plan in mind and by end of day (or week) you're wondering what happened? Did nothing happen? Should I be accomplishing things? Or maybe you're judging yourself or comparing yourselves to others for how you work or how you mom or how you show up in the world. In today's episode, we talk about the deep well of joy, shutting up online, sometimes, and how we "probably, maybe" will do things during summer. Because we need freedom to change our minds, to grow, to not be productive, to rest, to pursue joy. Earth is hard but we might as well survive summer. We love you Why Tho Fam! Thanks for your support - we are grateful for you! Take a minute to rate and review the show, or share this episode with a friend - the more, the merrier. Read Ashley's essays over at After Hours, an internet neighborhood, where all are welcome: https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com/ Say hi and message with Tiffany on Instagram: www.tiffanybluhm.com

Welcome to the surviving summer series. Some of you have no need for survival. You are going to Greece and laying by pools. We bless you with the love of the lord. Some of you are desperate to laugh, figure out some fun things for yourself and your loved ones, and we are here for you either way. Try not to get too excited, but in this episode we will be talking about summer fashion. We are well aware that no one wants to hear us talk about fashion, but trust us, because we will make you laugh. Topics include: Athlesuire Sweat shorts Sweet socks Thrift and garage sale jeans Books (of course we are talking about books) Everything in between Thanks for joining us for another episode of Why Tho! Read Ashley’s essays on After Hours: www.ashleyabercrombie.SUBSTACK.com Interested in joining Tiffany’s cohort? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/YS7bstwKeENKaPJE6

Week two of SHAMELESS PLUGS does not disappoint. Women matter. Our voices, our bodies, our gifts - what we give to the world is irreplaceable. For fifteen years, Tiffany has devoted her life to empowering and championing women. She shares the path that led her here - from her first mommy blog with a six-week old and pre-schooler in her arms to writing books about story, dreaming, and justice. As a mentor, teacher, and friend, Tiffany is moving into the next phase of her leadership: Resisterhood Cohorts. Hear her heart behind a smaller group of women journeying together for seven months and why proximity is so powerful. Interested in the cohort? Fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1XXnBt-ZxxeYuqbMTxMHhPb10XguseUKz54zRtLj3XV1YEA/viewform Connect with Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm Learn more about her books: www.tiffanybluhm.com

Okay fam, we're allergic to hyping ourselves up and to selling things, but we recognize our stuff is dang good and worth telling you about! In today's episode, Shameless Plug Part 1, Ashley shares her pivot out of twenty years of ministry and ten years of writing and speaking. It led her to start a little internet neighborhood called After Hours. If you're looking for hope in hard places, laughter, and wisdom for your real life, this is for you. We rarely ask our listeners to support our work but today we are. After Hours is less than a latte every month or $50 for the year. Ashley writes about boundaries, grace, current issues like abortion and gun violence and more. It would be a pleasure to welcome you into the community. Sign up here: https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com/ Want to know if After Hours is for you? Read this: https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com/about If you don't want to add to your inbox, consider purchasing Ashley's latest book, Love Is the Resistance: Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You've been Avoiding, and Create Real Change on Amazon (or wherever you get your books) https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399

Like so many of you, we are crushed over the shootings in Uvalde. Our babies! BABIES! It is difficult to imagine that loss. At the beginning of this episode, we talked about summer plans with our kids and laughed together as we often do. There are too many families who will struggle to do that. We are sick of this. This episode is a "state of the union" style episode, where we process what we see and how it's impacting us and what we can do about it. It is good to remember that we are not helpless and we are not hopeless. We need to hold ourselves and others accountable to voice our concerns to legislators and to organizations that are causing hurt and harm to communities. It's not too late to make phone calls. Find your local, state, and federal legislators here: www.usa.gov/elected-officials Remember that the vast majority of people in government positions actually want to help others. If your heart is heavy over the SBC report, or another issue we didn't mention, consider writing a letter to express your concern or setting up a meeting with someone who has the power to make change. We love a good rant (you know this) but we can't stop at rants. We need to take action. We're proud of you listeners and we love you. Thank you for making change where you are. You're powerful and we're rooting for you! For another resource on better understanding gun violence in America, read this book by gun violence survivor Taylor Schumann: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PSKF4XX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Today’s episode is a special, personal one. We are celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by sharing a few of the Asian women who made a lasting impact on our personal lives. Women who shaped our thinking and our freedom, and taught us how to love and share and be together with others. As the Why Tho fam, we also want to honor Tiffany, as a leader in our lives and in the AAPI community. It’s a blessing to grow together. Support Tiffany’s work by donating to SIP - a weekly table gathering of women to talk about real issues through the lens of faith and justice. You can also order Tiffany’s book Prey Tell on Amazon or wherever books are sold. To connect with the Why Tho hosts, message them on Instagram! Www.Instagram.com/tiffanybluhm Www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie

How do we learn to stay present? It’s easy to be overwhelmed by work, news cycles, social media, and struggles. Saying 'hello to here' is a practice that can help you settle into the moment. Putting aside distractions, phones, and hustles to stay conscious and connect to the people right in front of you is life-giving. We know there are a million reasons to stay stuck rehearsing the past or worrying about the future. In this episode, we hope to encourage you to find ways to stay present and close to the here and now. Connect with us on Instagram Www.Instagram.com/TiffanyBluhm Www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie

In light of the draft of the opinion written about Roe vs. Wade we thought it was important to share a conversation we had during our Faith and Politics series. One of the most divisive issues in America's Christian communities is the issue of abortion. We felt it was extremely important to cover this difficult topic because this matters to women, to families, and to us. As Sister Joan Chittister said, "I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion, that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is." Pro-birth is not enough. We need to care for people from the womb to the tomb, to value all life, every color, nationality and gender, as made in the image of God. Today's episode, while not exhaustive, will focus on women, on thoughtfully considering what it would take to make abortion unnecessary, and what we can do to serve as compassionate people of faith. Shame is never a tool in our tool belt, but love is. As promised during the episode, here are a few videos, podcasts, and articles that will help you better understand the issue, as well as the history of evangelicals and single issue voting based on abortion politics. https://www.npr.org/2019/06/11/731664197/apocalypse-now https://www.facebook.com/1048186335224436/videos/581219142587470 https://www.ashabercrombie.org/old-fashioned-truth-telling/2019/01/25/the-stigma-shame-of-abortion https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a34339956/senator-gary-peters-abortion/?fbclid=IwAR2AL5hEOttv1EYk_xoFAl-R4ePiVpNiRMH7uIcRvLWUcYv3Ivq2hgR2Vyg Read Ashley's full story of abortion by downloading the first chapter of her book for free: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5dd813901bf52c00294a6826 Ashley's essay, "I am a Christian. I have had an abortion. I am pro-life from birth to death." https://ashleyabercrombie.substack.com/p/i-am-a-christian-i-have-had-an-abortion?s=r

Shame hinders us from admitting we have needs and limitations. We are trained from birth to hide or resent our needs, often because the adults in our lives teach us to do that. What if there's a better way? Dr. Amy Kenny, a disabled scholar and Shakespeare lecturer, joins us to teach us that better way. This is a vulnerable, generous, and transformative conversation. It will sit with you and stay with you. Share with friends and get a copy of this book for you and everyone you know!! More about your new best friend, Dr. Amy Kenny: Amy Kenny (PhD, University of Sussex) is a disabled scholar and a Shakespeare lecturer whose research focuses on medical and bodily themes in literature. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, The Mighty, The Audacity, and Sojourners. Kenny is a scribe for Freedom Road Institute for Leadership and Justice; serves on the mayor's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce in California; coordinates support for people experiencing homelessness in her neighborhood; and is currently co-launching Jubilee Homes OC, a permanent supportive housing initiative in her local community. Order Amy's book, My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church https://amzn.to/3vqJwpm

Disability is part of life. We don't talk about it enough, so we invited our favorite teacher, Dr. Amy Kenny to join us for a two-part episode. We talk about our common worship of productivity and achievement and how that impacts people of varying abilities. Dr. Amy reminds us that disability is not a metaphor for weakness and introduces us to the idea that our needs are too often synonymous with shame. YOU WANT TO SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW. TRUST US. More about your new best friend, Dr. Amy Kenny: Amy Kenny (PhD, University of Sussex) is a disabled scholar and a Shakespeare lecturer whose research focuses on medical and bodily themes in literature. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, The Mighty, The Audacity, and Sojourners. Kenny is a scribe for Freedom Road Institute for Leadership and Justice; serves on the mayor's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce in California; coordinates support for people experiencing homelessness in her neighborhood; and is currently co-launching Jubilee Homes OC, a permanent supportive housing initiative in her local community. Order Amy's book, My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church https://amzn.to/3vqJwpm

A Why Tho favorite episode about the small things that are keeping us going. Per usual, we are extra typical elder millennials. Prepare yourself for “clearly struggling with life” things like Facebook Marketplace and shoe inserts. Bless our little hearts. What’s keeping you alive and full of hope these days? Send us a message on Instagram so we can add them to our list! As promised here is Tiffany’s tahini dressing recipe: 2 tbsp of each of the following blended together: tahini, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/Tiffanybluhm

America might be 50 states (plus Puerto Rico) but it might as well be several small countries. The regional wars are real. Coastal elites, the Midwest, Bible Belt, southern states and the North East unbelievably fit into one nation. Still, we find ourselves divided. Understanding is needed about the people we are, the values we hold, and how geography informs our reality. Here’s what’s cool: America is often portrayed as red and blue, but purple is actually closer to the truth. We’re more connected than we realize. Links from today: https://www.businessinsider.com/the-11-nations-of-the-united-states-2015-7 https://purplestatesofamerica.org Books: The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein

It's been a long winter and we are ready for spring. Things are blooming, the weather is warming, and thank God, it feels like we're returning to normalcy. Okay, things are still not normal, but we're getting there. Today's episode is about hope, resilience, making a lot with a little, calming our American behinds down, and finding the light in the darkness of winter. We're with you listeners, and we're for you. You're not alone out there. Now, come and tell us if you prefer Beyonce or Destiny's Child: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

If you were looking for a laugh, you have come to the right place. Today’s episode is not only hilarious, but full of wisdom. Too often we suppress, ignore, or avoid our humanity instead of embracing it. The crazy things we go through, the hilarious antics of childhood (or adulthood), our stories, and insecurities are sometimes swallowed up by our desire to be perceived as holy or good or perfect. We’ve got good news, there’s no sacred and secular. We are each our own person, carrying our stories, and doing our best to live life with a measure of courage and hope. We don’t have to pretend or forsake ourselves to be loved by God or others. It feels that way sometimes, sure, but the truth is, humanity is something to be embraced, not rejected. It’s the thing that actually keeps us connected. We’re rooting for you friends and super thankful you’re here! www.tiffanybluhm.com www.ashabercrombie.org

In addition to Daylight Savings Time legislation passing (HOORAY!) we're delighted to introduce you to our guest on the podcast today, Mary Marantz. Get ready for a rich conversation about the expectations of others and our "who" being more important than our "do". Mary's new devotional, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots is a huge help to every achiever facing the internal turmoil of feeling like nothing is ever enough. Mary grew up in a trailer in rural West Virginia. The first of her family to go to college, she went on to earn a master's degree in moral philosophy and a law degree from Yale. After turning down six-figure-salary law firm offers in London and New York and starting a business with her husband, Justin, together they have gone on to build a successful online education platform for thousands of creative entrepreneurs worldwide. The best selling author of Dirt (an ECPA finalist for Memoir of the Year), Mary is also the host of the highly ranked podcast The Mary Marantz Show, which debuted in the iTunes Top 200. She and Justin live in a 1880s fixer-upper by the sea in New Haven, Connecticut, with their two very fluffy golden retrievers, Good Speed and Atticus. Take Mary's quiz: What's your achiever type? www.achieverquiz.com You can also learn more about her devotional - get a copy for you and a friend! You won't regret it!

It’s International Women’s History Month and we pulled an oldie but goodie out of the archives. Maybe you need a reminder that difficult days don’t last forever. We’re playing the long game of life. Tiffany was having a particularly difficult day of parenting when she felt a little whisper: this is a long game. A very helpful whisper indeed, because life is a marathon, not a sprint, and even though we have moments to run hard, we must constantly pull ourselves up from the fray, from the discouraging bad days to acknowledge that the overall arc of our life is likely quite positive. Ashley averages one movie every two years, and recently saw the Toni Morrison documentary, The Pieces I Am, where she too, was reminded of the long game of life: to do what it takes daily and to not only endure, but to build a legacy that inspires others. In our rejection and failure, mountaintops and valleys, dreams fulfilled and dreams delayed, we need to press on in our calling, relationships, and purpose. This is a long game of life and we've got to live it with integrity, grace, and conviction. You're building something beautiful and we're here to cheer you on with this week's episode of Why Tho. Subscribe, leave a review, or share this podcast with a friend, it helps others find the show. To find out more about Tiffany's writing, speaking, or books visit her site at http://www.tiffanybluhm.com/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/ To find out more about Ashley's writing, speaking, or books visit her site at https://ashabercrombie.org/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie/

Since we've learned that failure is a part of life, we wanted to offer some practicals for dealing with failure, the big fails and the small ones. Facing shame is a critical way to lessen the grip that failure has on us. We're told that we're not enough. That if we mess up, it's over. That if we don't do things perfectly, there will be no path forward. It's bull crap and we're here to say that if you're human, you'll fail. And sometimes failure leads to freedom. We love you listeners and this month, we're inviting you to join us for the Ezer Collective in Southern California April 21-23! Our friend Jo Saxton is hosting round tables for women in all sectors of society. If you're leading, this is your jam: a time for connection and refreshment, with practical tools and good humans to help you on your path. For more information: https://www.josaxton.com/ezer-collective To sign up now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/josaxton You can use the special Why Tho promo code PODCAST for $50 off registration. We can't wait to see you there!

First of all, gospel is the music of heaven. We will not hear another side. Second, it is a joy to celebrate black history. Our black brothers and sisters have given us a rich legacy of connectedness and joy, endurance and laughter. In today's episode, Ashley and Tiffany share what they have learned from the black community. What mindsets are important for the future as we advocate and walk together towards justice? How can we see ourselves as creators of a new world in our parenting, working, and worshipping? Black is beautiful and we'll be the first to say so. Resources to go deeper: Toni Morrison - The Pieces I Am Documentary The Very Good Gospel and Fortune - both by Lisa Sharon Harper Reading While Black - Esau McCaulley Let Justice Roll Down - Dr. John Perkins The Black Church - PBS documentary The 1619 Project by the NY Times

Why are we so afraid to fail? SOME REALLY GOOD REASONS. Maybe you were raised in a home where mistakes were not allowed, or you had a boss who threatened to fire you for the smallest things. Maybe you've experienced loss of relationship or reputation because of a personal failure. We know what we stand to lose. That's why we're afraid to fail. But here's what we've learned: Failure is part of being human. There's no way around it. Failure can be a gift and failure can lead to growth. We need to normalize mistakes, setbacks, and failures. Because nobody's perfect. Love Why Tho? Take a minute to rate the show! Wanna support the hosts? (WHY WOULDN'T YOU?) Buy their new books: Prey Tell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CJ6WDP1 Love Is the Resistance: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding-ebook/dp/B08MXZW8BG

Pretend it's the year 2002, "Hot in Herre" by Nelly is topping the charts, belly button rings are in, and the Star Wars prequels are proving underwhelming. What a time to be alive! Now, if you could go back in time, what would you champion in your life 20 years ago? Mentorship, investment into friendships, or maybe walking away from toxic spaces? It's never too late to examine where in our lives we can grow! We are wild about you, Why Tho fam! Want to support Why Tho? Rate and review the show! Want to support Ashley and Tiffany? Buy their books, share this episode, or send a note to say hello! www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

People say “change is the name of the game.” Maybe that’s a phrase that should die right alongside “unprecedented times”. Because how about NO CHANGE and PRECEDENTED TIMES? Today, we talk about the pivots we’ve made collectively since Covid changed our lives in March of 2020. We also share how we’ve navigated pivots personally. Career changes, family dynamics, loss of friendship and community, and more. Pivot is our middle name. Probably yours, too. If you need practical help and creative ways of thinking about change, this episode is for you. Want to support Why Tho? Rate and review the show! Want to support Ashley and Tiffany? Buy their books, share this episode, or send a note to say hello! www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

We’re laughing to keep from crying this week 'cause what is the world we are living in? It’s good to remember that low expectations of the times we are living in doesn’t mean no expectations. How do we dig deep for joy? What does it look like to listen to our bodies? Is there anything we need to pay attention to that we might be (unintentionally) ignoring? Keep fighting the good fight Why Tho fam. You are not alone! As mentioned in this episode, the very out there Pinterest predictions: https://business.pinterest.com/pinterest-predicts/ Come say hi to Tiffany and Ashley: www.Instagram.com/Tiffanybluhm www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie

Social media is a source of connection in our lives. Love it or hate it (maybe both) it’s here to stay. In today’s episode, we’re processing what it looks like to participate in online communities without them running our lives. - How can we be mindful media consumers? - What does it mean to be a good internet neighbor? - What should we tolerate and what should we say no to? - Are we engaged in cultivating friendship in-person as a primary way of being known? We don’t have it all figured out (who does?) but we want to live healthy lives rooted in relationships. We bet you do too. Want to support the Why Tho show? Rate and review the podcast! Did you know Tiffany and Ashley write books? Pick up your copies today: www.tiffanybluhm.com www.ashabercrombie.org/book

The people around you matter. Who’s on your team? Who’s in your corner? What do you need from them? What do they need from you? This got us thinking about draft picks. Not because we understand sports, but because if it was possible to hand pick people from any sector of society (OR TV BECAUSE TED LASSO IS WELL REPRESENTED HERE), we’d do it. Maybe the people you’d pick reveal something about the type of person you need in your real life. Here’s our six draft picks for our home teams. Schools and businesses are closing again and today marks one year since the insurrection on the Capitol. There’s a familiar feeling in the air. While we’re not in the same place, it’s important to push past the sadness and fear to be in relationship with others. To cultivate more of what you need and love. We’re here for you! Thanks for joining us in 2022. Stop playing and tell your friends. Then, rate or review the Why Tho podcast. It helps others find the show!

Why make impossible resolutions? If you haven’t worked out for more than an hour in 2021, why do you think you can handle an hour a day in 2022? This is our annual anti-resolution resolution episode. Ten things to stop doing in the new year, such as, but not limited to: - Pleasing people who cannot be pleased - Saying yes when you want to say no - Living in perpetual disappointment because you can’t communicate your expectations - Buying things on Instagram We’re sure we could have given you a list of things to START doing but you probably have enough of those. Starting some of the best habits in life begin with quitting some of the worst ones. Good luck and Godspeed. May 2022 not be quite the Jack leg that her two predecessors have been. For more humor and shenanigans, follow Ashley and Tiffany on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.Instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Let’s talk about why Rose from Titanic just trusts that her chat buddy is not a serial killer and swaps houses with Cameron Diaz. Let’s also discuss the unnecessary naked plot line in Love Actually and let’s decide which team you are on. Love Actually or The Holiday? Christmas is in TWO DAYS and we’re here to bring you all the laughter, parenting advice you don’t need yet, and solid coaching on not consuming stuff that makes you cry in your cornflakes. Enjoy! We welcome your comments on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TiffanyBluhm www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie Happy Christmas Why Tho fam. You’re our favorite!

Pull up a chair ladies (and 2 gents), this one’s a good one. No better time to talk about bodies than the shame inducing holiday season where we’re told to wear our fat pants and then prepare for the worst on January 1. Because it’s one hour at the gym and a big sugar fast, baby! We call bull crap! Instead of all that nonsense: ⁃ Learn to listen to your body. ⁃ Understand the need to move negative energy through the body. ⁃ Connect with real people about your real problems. ⁃ Recognize that eating disorders and disordered eating are real for many women. ⁃ Consider the impact of hormone health on overall emotional well-being. ⁃ Know that trauma impacts your life. There’s enough stress on planet earth. Let’s take a load off instead of putting a load on. Love Why Tho? Rate and review! Subscribe to get these bad boys straight into your ear drums.

Get ready for a rich conversation with poet Drew Jackson about the power of poetry, the expectation of waiting, and what it means to listen to voices on the margins. Get more of what you need:     ⁃    Peace     ⁃    Understanding     ⁃    Hope We stood at attention more than once during this interview. Enjoy friends! In the midst of the hustle and bustle, grief and anxiety, we pray you’d find rest and comfort as you listen here. Read Drew’s book: God Speaks Through Wombs https://www.amazon.com/God-Speaks-Through-Wombs-Unexpected-ebook/dp/B08WQ444Q6/ref=nodl_ Follow along with the Why Tho Gals: www.Instagram.com/TiffanyBluhm www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie

We love a good favorite things list, especially at the holidays. Any survival guide worth its salt will include things that bring delight. Unfortunately, we are a millennial stereotype in every conceivable way but we hope that’s why you love us. In this episode we talk about: - Why texture makes foods inedible     ⁃    Best foods to ship to your house     ⁃    How candles can lift your mood (it’s science people!)     ⁃    The effects of social media on our lives and brains We’re rooting for you! Stay sane out there and be sure to share this episode with a friend. www.aahabercrombie.org www.TiffanyBluhm.com

As usual, there are heavy topics to talk about. Julius Jones, Kyle Rittenhouse, and Ahmaud Arbery has us talking about the difficult, painful reality of sons in America. That led us to boundaries, and what we are, and are not going to fight about at the Thanksgiving table. Also, what we are saying no to, code words and signs that it's time to go, and the things that are bringing delight to us right now. (Please order 10m blow dry brush here: https://amzn.to/3l8eRJ7 and solve all your dry skin problems here: https://www.grove.co/catalog/product/Rooted-hand-cream ) And of course, we shared our anti-turkey Thanksgiving meal plans. Remember, most of you are adults. You're in control of your life and relationships. You're a powerful person. Make decisions toward sanity and generosity. Happy anti-turkey day! Love Why Tho? Take 5 seconds to support us and rate the show! Take two minutes, and leave a review. Got one more minute? Share Why Tho with a friend! Check out more of our resources: www.tiffanybluhm.com www.ashabercrombie.org IG accounts mentioned: @blackliturgies @lisasharper @saltermcneil

We know the holidays can be challenging. Right alongside peppermint mochas, target trips, and annual traditions, there is often stress, financial pressure, and relationship issues. This series will help you navigate some of these challenges. Today’s episode we tackle: Why you shouldn’t eat everything at the potluck (people’s kitchens can’t be trusted) What to gift the host of a holiday party (and a question to ask in case someone is in recovery) Exercising your agency (no is a complete sentence + go late, leave early) Hilarious letters from kids to God (https://www.boredpanda.com/children-write-letters-to-god/) Two delightful films to make you LOL We’ll be back next week, with more on dealing with difficult emotions, family dynamics, and dialing down the end of a LONG YEAR. Check out our work, books, articles and more: www.tiffanybluhm.com www.ashabercrombie.org

Friendship makes life worth living. When people are in our corner and when relationships are healthy, we experience greater joy and peace. But when our friendships need to change, or end, or get honest to move forward, it gets complicated. Andi Andrew joins us today to talk about the root of our complicated connections, how our family of origin impacts the way women relate to women, and what to do when a friendship needs to change. Check out Andi’s new book, "Friendship, It’s Complicated" https://andiandrew.com and say hello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andiandrew/

Liturgies have sustained the saints for eons and today we learn how in this pandemic world we can do the same. Kayla Craig addresses why liturgies matter, who they are for, how they transform us, and why we need them. Don't miss out on this gem of an episode! Follow Kayla on IG for some serious life saving prayers @liturgiesforparents and to learn about her latest book of prayers, visit: http://www.kaylacraig.com/ Who needs this podcast? Share it with them! www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

Hey there Why Tho listeners, instead of trying harder, let's talk about trying softer with therapist and author Aundi Kolber. Aundi walks us through what it looks like to examine how we process trauma and what we can do about it. As we walk into the holiday season, this is a must listen if you know you may be triggered by places or people that make you want to run for the hills. For more about Aundi's work, check her out on Instagram @aundikolber. For her latest guided journal or to learn more about her best selling book, visit https://aundikolber.com/books/ Who needs this podcast? Share it with them! www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

Enjoy our last week in our Throwback Thursday series: Why Heaven is All Around Us Tho. A global pandemic doesn't really feel like heaven, but we're encouraging you to really look and see the goodness of God. Jesus often said, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand..." In the midst of economic difficulty, oppressive rulers, racism, sexism and more, he pressed people to see that heaven is right here, right now, all around us. No matter how dark, how fearful, how lonely, we are not alone, and there is beauty, and dare we say, joy to be found.... But not in Tiger King. So y'all stop watching that garbage! Or at least message us with an explanation, please. We love you Why Tho Fam, and we love encouraging you week after week. Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today's episode, share it with a friend and don't forget to subscribe and rate the podcast, it helps others find our show! Want more content? Tiffany and Ashley have some free gifts for you so go visit their websites for downloads, bible studies, book trailers, and more. www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

#tbt to our top downloaded episodes of Why Tho! Old friends and new, these episodes offer humor, wisdom, and practical hope for you. In celebration of our third birthday we’re revisiting the archives to see how far we’ve come and thank you for being part of the Why Tho Fam! Enjoy our Throwback Thursday fave all about cheese boards! Cheese boards are a ministry and we'll tell you what makes our so mouthwatering. www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

#tbt to our top downloaded episodes of Why Tho! Old friends and new, these episodes offer humor, wisdom, and practical hope for you. In celebration of our third birthday we’re revisiting the archives to see how far we’ve come and thank you for being part of the Why Tho Fam! Body image impacts women everywhere. Our culture is obsessed with image. From magazine covers to social media ads to the groups we belong to, we're receiving implicit and explicit messages that the sum total of our value is in our pants size, our lack of wrinkles, our hair, and skin color. In this episode, Tiffany and Ashley talk about their experiences with body image (name calling, shame, eating disorder, and more). Plus, we'll provide helpful tools to help you overcome negative body image and share how to lean into a more holistic perspective of our emotional, spiritual, relational and physical well-being. We can resist the cultural norms and stop reducing ourselves to what we look like so we can celebrate who we (and others) are! To find out more about Tiffany's writing, speaking, or books visit her site at http://www.tiffanybluhm.com/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/ To find out more about Ashley's writing, speaking, or books visit her site at https://ashabercrombie.org/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie/

Welcome to the Throwback Thursday Series! Enjoy one of our top downloaded episodes from the archives. People lie, cheat, gossip, act wild, don't do what they said they would do, ghost us like they have lost their minds, and we still keep them in our lives! WHY THO? Maybe it's because we fear the consequences, or repercussions of changing the boundaries in the relationship. We fear the loss of connection, or the rumor mill, or that a potential opportunity will be taken if we hold people accountable for their actions. We fear rejection and loneliness, and we also can be so afraid that people we love the most won't ever change, that we'll be stuck in the crazy cycle forever. In this episode, we learn why we need to stop making excuses for people so that our relationships are loving and meaningful, instead of scary and manipulative. No relationship is perfect, but we don't have to stay in transactional, dysfunctional relationships - we can work through our character flaws with the right people, who are also working through theirs. Time to get off the crazy cycle, and say BYE THO to people who have no intention of actually loving us. #byetho #whytho Who needs this podcast? Share it with them! www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

#tbt to our top downloaded episodes of Why Tho! Old friends and new, these episodes offer humor, wisdom, and practical hope for you. In celebration of our third birthday, we’re revisiting the archives to see how far we’ve come and thank you for being part of the Why Tho tribe! Why are we so scared to quit what needs to be quit? Sometimes we forget that it's not just about what we are walking away from, but what we are walking into. There's an expansive world of choice and love out there, and the microcosm of our moment (especially if the job, relationship, mentor, employer, pastor, etc. is unhealthy or unsustainable) can make us feel like if we leave the world will end. Will quitting mess with our calling? Will we miss God? Will we have any other opportunities? Do we have what it takes to navigate the unknown? Here's why quitting could be the best decision you ever made tho: You can build a life you love one step at a time. This episode will help you make an exit plan, dream bigger, and recognize unsafe people and places so you can say, bye tho, with honor and grace.   Have you subscribed to our podcast? Thank you for joining us! We'd love to hear from you! Rate, review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to be reminded to focus on faith and not fear, to build their big, beautiful future. www.ashabercrombie.com www.tiffanybluhm.com

The Must Haves for Fall 2021. Please do not expect anything great, dear listener. We know it’s the Met Gala this week, but it’s only recently that we began to buy good jeans which every woman needs. From jeans to podcasts, books and more, this episode is just a few of the things blessing us right now. Check out what the Why Tho hosts are up to lately: www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

In week six of the Love is The Resistance Series, we address forgiveness, conflict resolution, and how we navigate difficult situations with those who think and act differently than we do, because dear listener, it's not easy! To order your copy of Love is the Resistance by Ashley Abercrombie, visit https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 To take the Love is the Resistance Course visit: www.ashabercrombie.org/love-is-the-resistance Find Ashley on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie Find Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

When conflict calls, how do we respond? Las Mariposas, the sisters who toppled a dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, have so much to teach us. Minerva Mirabal became the sexual conquest of Dominican Dictator Rafael Trujillo. Her faithfulness, integrity, and resolve in her daily life positioned her to tell him no, repeatedly. Her and her three sisters deaths at the hands of Trujillo’s henchmen led to an uprising of freedom for the Dominican people. In your life right now, there are opportunities to respond to conflict. This episode is all about sowing the right seeds now, to have the right resistance later. Love Is the Resistance is available wherever books are sold this week! Order your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0801094399 Get the video series, or the book club kit: Www.Ashabercrombie.org/love-is-the-resistance www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

The mantra "bigger, better, and more" is destroying every sector of society. From agriculture to business, media to the church, the value for production, consumption, and profit over people is deeply impacting creation and communities. As the proverb says, "Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice, there is waste." What is possible when we revitalize the land and communities that are crushed under the weight of production and consumption? What is possible when we stop valuing our "do" and "do for" over "be" and "be with?" When we resist hurry, or the idea that we need bigger, better, or more, we discover the ease and grace we were created to experience. Love Is the Resistance. As promised, just for our Why Tho Listeners, here is the early bird release of the Love Is the Resistance individual course and book club series: www.ashabercrombie.org/love-is-the-resistance Use code WHYTHO to get $10 off the book club kit, and invite your favorite people to join you! Order your copy of Love Is the Resistance today (and get the audiobook for free!): https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Visit www.ashabercrombie.org/book to learn more, and claim your audiobook. Say hi on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie

Why do we find so many ways to separate ourselves from others? What are the hidden fears that keep us struggling to relate and connect? Today's guest in the Love Is the Resistance series, Pastor Jennifer Toledo, is no stranger to pushing herself to love people who don't look, think, or act like her. Her global human rights work, leadership in the Los Angeles County foster care system, and faithfulness as a pastor, makes her wisdom helpful and healing. Check out Jen’s peace building course on race, politics and justice: www.saltla.org and follow her on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jentoledo_la Learning to love our neighbor (all the neighbors) is important. We can't suddenly have compassion for neighbors in Haiti or Afghanistan when there's a crisis, but not when they move in next door. We need to restore integrity and lean into the knowledge that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of our respect. Order your copy of Love Is the Resistance today (and get the audiobook for free!): https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Visit www.ashabercrombie.org/book to learn more, and claim your audiobook. Download Ashley's free PDF: 7 Ways to engage in conflict that will lead to health and more thriving relationships: www.ashabercrombie.org/love

When Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Rep Ted Yoho disagreed over a path forward for policing in America, Rep Yoho stood on the steps outside the capitol and called her a b*tch. In one of the worst public apologies he cited his love for God, his family, and his daughters. In her response, AOC discussed the larger issues at play in Rep Yoho's name calling and bad apology. Do we feel entitled to say and do anything we want to people who don't look, think, act or vote like us? What makes people of faith feel emboldened to disrespect others? And why does it feel like men and women do not fear God in their treatment of others? Language matters. Words shape our world. The way we think and speak directly impacts our connections with others. There is a better way. Order your copy of Love Is the Resistance today (and get the audiobook for free!): https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Visit www.ashabercrombie.org to learn more, and claim your audiobook. Get Ashley's free PDF: 7 Ways to engage in conflict that will lead to health and more thriving relationships: www.ashabercrombie.org/love

Listen to chapter one of "Love Is the Resistance: Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You've Been Avoiding and Create Real Change," Ashley's brand new book, releasing August 31st. In a time of extremism, division, polarizing narratives and more, this is the book we need to learn to better understand others, get along when we disagree and redraw the boundary lines in relationships when necessary. Ashley writes, "In the public space, Christians are not known for our love, or the fruit of the Holy Spirit, or for uniting together to care for the common good. It’s time for change. To put it old school: repent." Yes and Amen. Pre-order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Resistance-Disagree-Conflicts-Avoiding/dp/0801094399 Spread this message and join Ashley's book launch team (last week!): http://bit.ly/launchloveistheresistance Get her free PDF: 7 Ways to engage in conflict that will lead to health and more thriving relationships: www.ashabercrombie.org/love

MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS! Guys, we have NO CHILL. She is an artist, poet, storyteller, musician and an incredible champion of humanity. Morgan inspires the world through her app, social media feeds, podcasts, planner, and books. In this conversation, we talk about her daily inspiration, why she chooses to write from her pain, how she went from struggling to pay the bills to creating art. We also discuss Morgan's recent autism diagnosis as an adult female. When we tell you she is a WHOLE BLESSING, we mean it. You'll want to share this half hour of gold with your friends and family. Read, listen, and watch MHN content: https://morganharpernichols.com/ Follow her on Instagram from daily inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols Loving the summer series, How'd She Do That? Take a moment to rate and review the Why Tho Podcast - it helps others find the show! To connect with Ashley and Tiffany: www.ashabercrombie.org www.tiffanybluhm.com

Every woman has to raise herself. Even in healthy families, children do not receive every thing they need to grow into their purpose. We need relationships, healing, opportunities to change, and wisdom to face our life. Sarah Bragg, popular podcast host of Surviving Sarah, joins Why Tho today to teach us how to raise ourselves. What do we need to keep changing? How do we understand anxiety's affect on us, and our children, if we have them? How can we live a more calm, peaceful life? Sarah is FULL of wisdom and we're so glad you're joining us today! Mentioned in today's episode: Sarah's Survival Kit (one of Ashley's favorite emails): http://www.sarahbragg.com/ Order Sarah's book, A Mother's Guide to Raising Herself: https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Guide-Raising-Herself-Parenting/dp/0310361346

Jenny Yang took us to church on today's episode! With almost 20 years of experience working on policy around immigrant and refugee issues, Jenny is an incredible communicator, and clearly articulates the need for Christians to better understand the overarching story of migration in scripture. This is important to our understanding of how to think about, and relate to, immigrants (what the Bible calls strangers and foreigners). She offers helpful advice for engaging in difficult discussions with our loved ones and how we can take action in our daily lives. Side note, one of our favorite bits is that Jenny bakes, and as the Policy Director at World Relief, has won the employee bake off. You will laugh, be informed, and encouraged by our friend Jenny. Mentioned on today's episode: Evangelical Immigration Table: https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/ Women of Welcome: https://womenofwelcome.com/ World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/ Welcoming the Stranger Book: https://www.amazon.com/Welcoming-Stranger-Justice-Compassion-Immigration/dp/0830845399

After the shenanigans of the last year a summer of sanity sounds like heaven to us! On today's episode, Why Tho Hosts Ashley and Tiffany share the conversations that inspire them, the books they're reading, and a summer flow that's working for connection and peace. Friends, no matter the context of your life and relationships, it's always a good time to say goodbye to what's no longer serving you and hello to what is good for the soul so you can continue to become the person you were made to become. You're powerful, and we love you! Mentions in today's episode: Update on all things Prey Tell, from Tiffany's new book: www.tiffanybluhm.com and pre-order Ashley's book, Love is the Resistance: www.ashabercrombie.org

Taylor Schumann didn't set out to become an activist, but after surviving a shooting on a college campus in Virginia, everything changed. Rebuilding her life again, she not only changed her own perspective about guns in America, but sought to help people better understand the issue and make changes to protect people. If you've ever had a "god and guns" conversation with family, or felt furious or frustrated after a mass shooting, or want to see the nuance between the black and white narrative of gun rights, this conversation is for you. Taylor tells her story, shares statistics and offers practical ways forward in her brand new book, "When Thoughts & Prayers Aren’t Enough." We were lucky to receive an early copy and it is powerful. Also, we hear about the best food in Charleston, so get ready to take notes. https://www.taylorschumann.com/books https://twitter.com/taylorsschumann If you're loving the Summer Series, How'd She Do That, take a moment to rate and review the Why Tho Podcast - it helps others find the show! To connect with Tiffany and Ashley, say hello on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie

For week three of the How'd She Do That series, the Why Tho Gals are chatting with author and leadership guru Jo Saxton, a Nigerian Brit living stateside. Jo shares what it was like to grow up in London as young girl of color, navigating church culture on both sides of the pond, and advancing a woman's place. Even better, she came bearing gifts! Use coupon code POD to receive 10% off Jo's live Ezer Collective leadership getaway in Minneapolis, MN in Nov. https://www.josaxton.com/ezer-collective Connect with Jo on IG: www.instagram.com/josaxton Visit her site: www.josaxton.com

It's the every day ordinary people in our lives who tend to form our beliefs and convictions at a cellular level. The mothers, aunties, and grandmothers who surround us and our church mothers, ones who love us and raise us. Theologian Kat Armas asks the question: What if some of our greatest theologians wouldn't be considered theologians at all? What if the voices on the margins, those often dismissed, isolated, and oppressed because of their gender, socioeconomic status, or lack of education, have more to teach us about following God than we realize? Enjoy this powerful conversation that will encourage you to see God in you ordinary life and to experience the power of God in the people you might least expect to host his presence. Pre-order Kat's book, Abuelita Faith: https://katarmas.com/book Follow Kat on Instagram @katarmas

Okay Summer 2021, we see you. We're nervously picking up our lives again and hoping for the best. At Why Tho, we plan to inspire you all summer long with the "How'd She Do That?" series. Our guests are jaw droppers - we're thrilled to introduce them to you, starting with the one and only, Tabitha Brown. Tabitha spends her days inspiring the world, being the most hospitable human on the internet and sharing vegan recipes that lead to health and wholeness. Her story of marriage, motherhood, acting, blowing up on social media and how it all led to millions of people tuning in daily for her encouragement will bless you! She teaches us how to show up every day, honestly and openly. She shares how she has cultivated a deep trust in God and how to keep going when times are difficult. We are honored to host this conversation (low key, one of our favorites yet). Connect with Tab (if you haven't already) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtabithabrown Watch her Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TabithaBrown Pre-order her book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/feeding-the-soul-because-its-my-business-tabitha-brown?variant=33097603153954

After an incredible lineup of guests over the last several weeks, today’s episode is a breather at the start of summer. Because it’s about to be HOT here on Why Tho with our weekly plans! Tiffany and Ashley discuss the little delights keeping them sane and saved, as well as a sneak peek at the guests joining us for the conversations you want and need in your life. Thank you for joining us for another episode of Why Tho! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe - it helps others find the show! Follow the Why Tho hosts on Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie Www.Instagram.com/Tiffanybluhm Visit websites for more information on books, resources and more: Www.TiffanyBluhm.com Www.ashabercrombie.com

Welcome to our annual Relationship Series. Dr. Bruce Perry said, "Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love." We agree. From friendship to family to marriage to communities we participate in, relationships are the way we survive, thrive, grow, and heal in this world. Honestly, after the year we've lived through, finding new rhythms for growth and healing has felt a little... impossible, maybe? Well, today's guest can help. Joy Eggerichs Reed traveled around the country speaking about single life for years before settling down in France with her husband and two kids while running a literary and speaking agency. (Yes, this sounds like a summer romance novel.) As a single and married person, Joy took time to plan and envision a future she would love, and she shares her practices with the Why Tho community. She's got tried and true methods on this episode that start with asking questions: -What’s confused that needs to be clarified? - What’s missing that needs to be added? - What’s wrong that needs to be fixed? - What’s right that needs to be optimized? - What are we grateful for? Mentioned in this show: Family Calendar the Reed fam swears by: https://punchlineagency.com/punchline-picks Joy's Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyeggerichs E-book for authors and speakers: Get to The Publishing Punchline: A fun (and slightly aggressive) 30 Day Guide to Get Your Book Ready For The World (available June 2021)

Welcome to our annual Relationship Series on Why Tho. Dr. Bruce Perry said, "Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love." We agree. From friendship to family to marriage to communities we participate in, relationships are the way we survive, thrive, grow, and heal in this world. Today's guest says: "I want you to be the scientist of your own life." Nicole Unice, therapist, author, and pastor, joins our conversation today. She offers practical help for the hard conversations you're avoiding (or having badly), laughs about her own struggles, and humanizes our shared experiences in relationships. Nicole also explains the reason we need to listen to our body, that it's telling us a story about what we need. Through integrating mind, body and soul, we become whole. You'll love this interview! Share this with a friend, and if you're enjoying Why Tho, take a moment to rate and review the show! Mentioned in this show: Nicole's brand new book, The Miracle Moment: https://nicoleunice.com/miraclemoment/ Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yfUgrn Nicole's Podcasts: https://nicoleunice.com/podcasts/

Welcome to our annual Relationship Series and these next few episodes center on dating and married relationships. Dr. Bruce Perry said, "Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love." We agree. From friendship to family to marriage to communities we participate in, relationships are the way we survive, thrive, grow and heal. Today's guest is a therapist, author, and host of the show Authentic Intimacy. Dr. Juli Slattery offers people and couples an invitation to healthy connection, desire and sexuality. Too many of us deny our desires, feel guilty about pleasure and stay stuck when it comes to vulnerability and intimacy. She's helping us reintegrate into being a sexual person and recapture the goodness of sexual desire. We talk about the difference between legalism and license, and how to find the space in between. There is a wealth of wisdom in this episode, so buckle up and share this too often ignored, or poorly taught, subject with a friend! Follow Dr. Juli: www.instagram.com/authenticintimacy Visit her website to order books, join her monthly community, listen to her podcast and more: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/ Do you love Why Tho? Take a moment to rate and review the show! We greatly appreciate our listeners, and thank you for joining us each week!

Get in Formation is a new series to inspire spiritual and personal growth. After the year we've all endured, it is important to find ways to refresh and renew our faith. Practical tools, helpful tips and inspiring wisdom, this series is jam packed with good stuff. On our final episode, we're interviewing the one, the only, Rich Villodas. Brooklyn-born, pastoring in Queens, and author of the Deeply Formed Life, Pastor Rich lays out for us an ambitious vision of spiritual formation. One that includes: -contemplative rhythms -racial justice -interior examination -sexual wholeness -missional presence He speaks directly to the anxiety we live with and the one thing we need in order to move together through it. Don't miss this episode! Share it with a friend and if you enjoyed it, take a moment to rate and review Why Tho! Mentioned in today's show: Pastor Rich's Instagram (where he pastors Tiffany): www.instagram.com/richvillodas and his twitter (where he pastors Ashley): www.twitter.com/richvillodas and if you like more than snippets, we highly recommend his book (kindle, audio or hard copy), The Deeply Formed Life: https://amzn.to/3b6MmGJ

Get in Formation is a new series to inspire spiritual and personal growth. After the year we've all endured, it is important to find ways to refresh and renew our faith. Practical tools, helpful tips and inspiring wisdom, this series is jam packed with good stuff. On today's episode, we welcome a very special guest, theologian, writer and lecturer Cheryl Bridges Johns. She is a prophetic voice with an academic career that spans three decades. Cheryl is a wise elder with a burden for those deconstructing toxic aspects of their faith. She seeks to offer a way to be claimed again beyond the wilderness of criticism. We cover why diversity in the church is important (the GED next to the PhD), finding God in creation, how we embrace life changes and relate and connect across generations. You'll want to share this episode with everyone you know, TRUST US! You can find Cheryl mostly on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cb_johns Her most recent book: Seven transforming gifts of Menopause: An Unexpected Spiritual Journey. This book goes far beyond hot flashes and gets to the very heart of the midlife journey, helping women find their unique voice and speak their truth in an era of #MeToo and #ChurchToo. Find out more about Cheryl and purchase her books: https://cherylbjohns.com/

Get in Formation is a new series to inspire spiritual and personal growth. After the year we've all endured, it is important to find ways to refresh and renew our faith. Practical tools, helpful tips and inspiring wisdom, this series is jam packed with good stuff. On today's episode, we discuss how justice has informed our faith. Through the current event of the trial of Derek Chauvin, we discuss the pillars of justice - integrity, love, mercy - and what it means to live justly. How do we continue to remain in relationship with others who don't share a love for justice or think we're too political? How do we value forgiveness and accountability? What books, resources and people inform how we think about Jesus and justice? This is a helpful show for those processing this week's events and for those who are curious about or hungry for justice. Books mentioned on this episode: The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper Journey to the Common Good and Prophetic Imagination, both by Walter Brueggemann The Prophetic Lament and New Evangelicalism, both by Dr. Soong Chan Rah Unsettling Truths by Dr. Rah and Mark Charles. Since we mentioned the history of evangelicals and politics, consider reading Jesus and John Wayne by Kristen Kobes du Mez. Loving this series? Let us know! Rate and review the show and as always thank you for listening with us! Order Prey Tell by Tiffany Bluhm: www.tiffanybluhm.com Pre-order Love is the Resistance (mentioned in today's show!) by Ashley Abercrombie: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MXZW8BG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Slide in the DM's Follow Ashley and Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Get in Formation is a new series to inspire spiritual and personal growth. After the year we've all endured, it is important to find ways to refresh and renew our faith. Practical tools, helpful tips, and inspiring wisdom, this series is jam packed with good stuff. In this episode, we'll unpack deconstruction and reconstruction. Deconstruction is getting plenty of buzz word air time, but it's a tale as old as time. Unlearning and relearning is part of discipleship. Thinking thoughtfully about why we believe what we believe increases our faith, and sometimes things fall apart in our belief systems so the right beliefs can come together. Reconstruction follows a healthy deconstruction process. Loving this series? Let us know! Rate and review the show and as always thank you for listening with us! Order Prey Tell by Tiffany Bluhm: www.tiffanybluhm.com Slide in the DM's and follow Ashley and Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Get in Formation is a new series to inspire spiritual and personal growth. After the year we've all endured, it is important to find ways to refresh and renew our faith. Practical tools, helpful tips and inspiring wisdom, this series is jam packed with good stuff. In this episode, we'll unpack how we grow. What informs our spiritual journey? What gifts from others were we given to teach us to pray, worship, and relate to others? What did we have to overcome in order to be who we are? All of this creates pathways for our spiritual journey. Mentioned in this episode: Get Ashley's list of Confessions: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6064efe8156ede7cb0fea6ac Book of Common Prayer Pocket Edition (there's also an app!): https://amzn.to/3u8OiWg Order Prey Tell by Tiffany Bluhm: www.tiffanybluhm.com Slide in the DM's and follow Ashley and Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

On the heels of the Prey Tell series, we want to say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! What an incredible launch and as Tiffany says, it's not a moment, it's a movement, so we are thrilled to invite you to keep sharing, reading and engaging with the work of Prey Tell. We also felt it was time for a hilarious episode: UNPOPULAR OPINIONS. Turns out Ashley hates hot tea and that almost ended the future of Why Tho, but we're still fam. You'll love this episode and we encourage you to reach out to us and share your most unpopular opinion. If you love Why Tho, take a moment to rate the show and share a reveiw - it helps others join us! Order Prey Tell: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR Download additional resources for free: www.tiffanybluhm.com Slide in the DM's and follow Ashley and Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

A world where women hold equal power is a better world. Workplaces and communities with women at the helm are more likely to be equitable spaces in terms of pay, treatment and connection. When women's perspectives, ideas and strategies are valued, listened to and implemented, more people, places, and communities flourish. In the final episode of the Prey Tell Series, learn what happens when women have power. Let it inspire you to keep working toward a better world where women are valued and empowered. Order Prey Tell: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR Download additional resources for free: www.tiffanybluhm.com Slide in the DM's and follow Ashley and Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Why do we blame women? Because it is easier to blame women than to deal with the real problem or systemic issue. It's why people blamed Monica Lewinksy (a twentysomething intern) for Bill's indiscretions instead of dealing with the fact that he abused his power or that culture demonizes women. It's why people blamed Meghan Markle for the racism she endured rather than dealing with the racism in her environment. It's why people blame the voices of dissent who call out workplace of community culture rather than actually deal with the toxic tenants of the culture itself. It is PAST TIME that we learn to invite women to speak rather than blame them when they do. "Prey Tell" is an incredible resource for all those looking to address systemic harm, answering why we silence women, why we blame women, and how we can right our cultural wrongs. Order "Prey Tell" wherever books are sold or visit www.tiffanybluhm.com for links to your favorite retailers. You can also watch the trailer, download discussion guides and more. Amazon quick link to Prey Tell: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR Message Ashley or Tiffany on Instagram and share your thoughts about this series and the book. We love you and we're for you! www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

"Silence is not spiritual and action is not optional." Oh my, our friend Belinda Bauman is breaking it off as our special guest for the Prey Tell book series. Belinda is an author, speaker, global activist and educator. As she committed herself to empowering women facing injustice in places like the Congo and Iran, the women in her life invited her to see the pain and abuse of women in her own backyard. Alongside Lisa Sharon Harper, Belinda founded the movement Silence is Not Spiritual to help women share their stories and to hold institutions and leaders accountable to change. We believe women and we want to see a world where the imbalance of power ends so that all people are valued in the image of God. This episode will help you share your story, create safe space for other women to be honest, and grow in knowing how to hold people accountable. To learn more about Tiffany's book Prey Tell, and pre-order visit www.tiffanybluhm.com for a list of your favorite retailers. All pre-orders unlock access to the Prey Tell Virtual Summit with leading voices all speaking on why we silence women. To learn more about Belinda's work and join her book club: https://www.onemillionthumbprints.org/brave-souls

Today's episode is all about narcissism, how to spot when someone is demonstrating narcissistic tendencies and what it looks like to set boundaries, walk away, or seek help. This episode highlights a chapter in Tiffany's latest book "Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up" and it unpacks why narcissism is hard to escape and the myths surrounding narcissism. Spoiler alert: it's not always that easy to spot! To learn more about Tiffany's book and pre-order visit www.tiffanybluhm.com for a list of your favorite retailers. All pre-orders unlock access to the Prey Tell Virtual Summit with leading voices speaking on why we silence women. Did you love the show? Take a moment to rate and review so that others can find the show! Connect with Ashley and Tiffany over on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Hey there, Why Tho listeners! Today's we've got an ear snack for you! Enjoy the first chapter of Tiffany's latest book, "Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up." Prey Tell addresses the imbalance of power between men and women in sacred and secular culture through an intersectional lens and examines how we can all work toward balanced and equitable spaces and speak up. To learn more about Tiffany's book and pre-order visit tiffanybluhm.com for a list of your favorite retailers. All pre-orders unlock access to the Prey Tell Virtual Summit with leading voices all speaking to why we silence women. Info at tiffanybluhm.com. Did you love the show? Take a moment to rate and review so that others can find the show! Connect with Ashley and Tiffany over on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Expectations, commitment, intimacy, friendship, rest, conflict, fun... marriage is full of opportunity to grow, connect and endure. In this final episode in the Why Tho Relationship series, you'll learn how to be kind while you're in a conflict, how to be friends with your spouse, how to understand each other's values, and how to adjust your expectations for the season of life you're in right now. Marriage is not easy, but there's nothing like it, and there is a way to thrive consistently through the long life of a marriage. Did you love the Why Tho Relationship Series? Take a moment to rate and review so that others can find the show! Connect with Ashley and Tiffany over on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

"Men and performance... I don't know who I am without those two things." Kait Warman, author of "Thank You For Rejecting Me," joins the Who Tho Podcast today to help us better understand rejection and how we can grow beyond those painful moments in our lives. With practical tools, personal stories and helpful dialogue, this episode invites us to examine our past beliefs and how those might be hindering our present opportunities. If you're dating, you'll love this. If you're healing, this is for you. If you're married and want to support friends who are in this digital, COVID, wild world of dating, this is for you. Rejection is inevitable and this conversation will help you take steps forward in your life. Order Kait's book: https://amzn.to/3cOcdoC Visit her Instagram: (she's a relationship coach and entrepreneur): https://www.instagram.com/kaitness/

Do you ever feel like your mood, personal growth, opportunities or relationship status depends on what another does, says or thinks? Do you struggle to untangle your life from another's? Are you constantly offering advice to others, "shoulding" all over them? "You should do this/read this/think this?" Is it hard to say no? You might be struggling with codependency. In this episode of the Why Tho Relationship Series, we're talking about signs of codependency, what to do when you recognize it and how you can overcome hiding, care-taking, controlling and manipulative behaviors in relationships. You are a powerful person and we know this episode will continue to help you flourish in relationships. Resources mentioned on the Why Tho Show: Codependency Quiz: http://harmonygrillo.com/codependency-quiz/ Favorite Book to Read: Changes that Heal https://www.amazon.com/Changes-That-Heal-Henry-Cloud/dp/0310606314 Share this series with a friend, and if you love Why Tho, take a minute to subscribe, rate and review the show. This helps others join us in personal growth and other shenanigans. Say hello on the Gram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm Pre-order Tiffany Bluhm's book Prey Tell: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR

Relationships are important. From overcoming past hurts to learning how to relate during difficult times, to growing in the messy parts of life and love, we've got a three week series (and a special guest at the end) that will bless your socks off. BUT FIRST, we're sharing our favorite tv marriages, friendships and why we don't like Friends or Seinfeld. Sorry not sorry. Today's a little something to make you think and laugh, so we can prepare to hit the hard stuff. To tell us your favorite tv relationship, message us on Instagram! We’d love to hear from you. www.Instagram.com/TiffanyBluhm www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie

Hope holds. On the dark days, in the middle of a storm, during a breakdown in the monotony of our ordinary lives. Hope holds. In today’s episode, we explore our hope for the future of the church and  for America as a nation (big week for us here). We believe that change is possible, that healing is needed and that we can do both together. We love you Why Tho listeners! Your support means the world to us and it is an honor to be in your life every Thursday. To connect more directly, say hello on Instagram! We’d love to hear from you. Www.Instagram.com/TiffanyBluhm Www.Instagram.com/ashabercrombie Pre-order Tiffany's latest book, "Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BN9ivR

Today, we're speaking with the Head of Inclusion at Lionsgate Films, Kamala Avila-Salmon. Formerly, an executive at Facebook Watch and a leader in the music industry, Kamala helped launched shows like Red Table Talk and careers like that of Miss Janelle Monae. She is a powerhouse, an incredible advocate, deeply committed to the work of equity and inclusion. Kamala helps people go from an awakening to action, with wisdom and grace. If you're driving, you'll shout in your car when she drops career nuggets and if you're home, you'll want to take notes. It's our pleasure to bring you the first guest of 2021 - we know you'll love her as much as we do! Check out her podcast, From Woke to Work: https://li.sten.to/G0N5WSg) Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealKAS1 and read her work on medium: https://medium.com/@kamalasalmon Follow Tiffany and Ashley on the Gram, and please do message us to let us know your thoughts, or suggest guests for 2021! www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie

Well, when we recorded this episode, we had no idea a mob was about to storm the Capitol of the United States, so if this a little tone deaf, that's why. But we hold to our passion and love for better understanding the people we judge. Georgia, Georgia, Georgia... is on our mind. Ashley shares her conversation with a dear friend Crystal Marie, who lives in the South. Crystal lamented the way the coastal cities tend to talk about the South, as if the whole place is uneducated, racist, and backwoods. The truth is, it's the bedrock of the civil rights movement, home of the best BBQ in America, and while racism is real, it's a place of community and neighborliness. On the flip side, folks say California will fall into the ocean. Seattle is corrupt because Jeff Bezos lives there. New York is elitist and expensive. We have so many opinions about who people are. We judge people we don't know and places we've never been, and if we are going to heal our great divide, we must stop this. Dr. Barbara Shabazz says that our dividing walls laid flat become bridges. It's time to build some bridges. This episode will help you if you struggle with judging others or if you don't understand other regional areas of America. Though not exhaustive, we do hope this will bless you as you heal and recover from 2020 and this election season. We love y'all. Solidarity, for real.

We made it to the last day of 2020 and WE'RE STILL STANDING! We want to help you take a moment to reflect back on this year. How are you holding grief and gratitude together as you think back on this year? We know everyone has lost so much, but what did you gain? What lessons will you never forget? As we look to 2021 and cross over into a new year together, we want to encourage you to be a person who carries and spreads goodness. No matter what your job is, what difficulties you are still facing, what relationship struggles you have, goodness is possible. Instead of asking "What do you want to do?" in a new year, consider asking, "Who do you want to be?" We cannot predict the future, but we can determine to live with hope, joy and resolve to continue. We love you Why Tho listeners - welcome to our new friends who joined us in 2020, and to our faithful listeners, you're the real MVPs! Take a moment to rate our show and write a one sentence review - we value your opinion. Unless you're that lady with the fake name who gave us a one star rating because she doesn't like us talking about difficult topics as Christians. LOL! Love y'all. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Why Tho Fam! You’re our people and we love you! After several weeks of guest cohosts guess who’s back?? Ashley is home again with Tiffany, and today’s show is all about finding rest, peace and hope. In this Advent season of waiting, we celebrate that we have a God who is with us. He is at work in our waiting. He loves us. He holds us. We are not alone. And after the year we’ve had in 2020, we hope this truth will sustain you and fill you with hope. We pray better days are ahead of us, but if not, we pray you’d find joy in the waiting and in the presence of God who is always always with you. Bless you fam! If you love Why Tho, take a moment to leave us a review and rate the show. We’re grateful for your support!

Guest cohost Susie Gamez and Tiffany Bluhm talk about the pop culture shows of their youth, their interracial marriages, finding their space in white evangelical spaces, and what they want others to know when it comes to engaging minority cultures. Thank you for joining us for another episode of Why Tho. If you enjoyed your time with us, please rate and review this podcast. Connect with us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/susiekgamez

Guest cohost Kat Harris and Tiffany Bluhm share what's saving their lives right from fanny packs, to music, to humanizing other's who's choices have negatively affected them. They share it all and encourage you to identify the little and large things that are helping you get by. Kat Harris is an author, speaker, podcaster. Her book "Sexless in the City" releases April 2021 and you can pre-order it here:  http://bit.ly/kat-sexless  Are you a single woman? Sign up for Kat's 6 tips to activating your dating life with intention and clarity: http://bit.ly/trwdatingtips Follow Kat on Instagram: www.instagram.com/therefinedwoman/ Follow Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/ Follow Ashley on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie/

On this episode, Tiffany and guest cohost Cheryl Nembhard talk about the nature of hope and why it is so gloriously defiant. Listen, these days are rough, but hope carries us through. It can be ours in and out of season. Cheryl Nembhard is a writer, tv host, docufilmmaker, and social justice advocate who spends her life to better the existence of youth and women. Learn more about Cheryl's work by visiting: https://www.cherylnembhard.com. Thank you for joining us for another episode of Why Tho. If you enjoyed your time with us, please rate and review this podcast. Connect with us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/cherylnembhard

Guest Cohost Pricelis Dominguez and Tiffany Bluhm discuss what it looks to care for yourself during the holidays whether you are in lockdown or with family. The holidays aren't always easy, and the added stress of the pandemic is no joke. Hear tried and true ways to stay sane! Disclaimer: The sound on this episode was not cooperating so please forgive the echo vibes you'll hear today! Thank you for joining us for another episode of Why Tho. If you enjoyed your time with us, please rate and review this podcast. Connect with us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/pricelispd

On this episode, Tiffany and guest cohost Ashlee Eiland, pastor and preacher at Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI expound on where they see God right now. Ashlee is the author of Humankind and is a gift for this cultural moment. Prepare yourself for hilarity and hijinks, cause there is much goodness in store as they discuss why Cinnamon Toast Crunch is necessary to endure these hard times, and how babies remind us that God is at work as goodness and mercy follow us around. Thank you for joining us for another episode of Why Tho. If you enjoyed your time with us, please rate and review this podcast. Connect with us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/ashlee_eiland Grab Ashlee Eiland's book HumanKind: https://amzn.to/366X0tL

As Ashley Abercrombie embarks on maternity leave, Tiffany welcomes guest cohosts to chat with her throughout the next 6 weeks. In this episode, Tiffany chats with speaker, artist, spiritual director, and author Scott Erickson. They cover the recent death of Alex Trebek, long walks, sweaty cheese, undercover costumes while dining out, his wife Holly Erickson (1/2 of the Modern Proper), and Scott's latest book, "Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God with Us Then, Here, and Now" To learn more about Scott's book and order it before the start of Advent on Nov. 29th, click here: https://amzn.to/38wk3AU Scott on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottthepainter Follow Tiffany on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/ Follow Ashley on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie

Today is a stressful day for us here in the US, and while we didn't know the outcome at the time of this recording, we wanted to talk about hot dog toppings, and why hope is stubborn AF tho. Half of the country will be happy and the other half will be crushed tomorrow, and you know what? Our work continues. We're not going to pump you up with "God is still on the throne" messages. Duh, obviously we know that - that's how we all got this far, but we will talk about how hope guides us in the darkness. Hope paves a way where there seems to be no way. Because hope is not some kind of fantasy we live in or the result of all outcomes swinging in our favor. Hope is what we have when we don't have anything else. Hope stares up from the pit of divide, from the pit of pain, from the pit of despair, and says I will hold on to you, God. I will trust you. I will choose to love, to relentlessly pursue justice, and engage faithfully and generously with the world around me. Friends, we have hope. And hope will not put us to shame. Thank you for joining us for another episode of Why Tho. If you enjoyed your time with us, please rate and review this podcast. Then, come connect with us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm

Madeline L'Engle said, "The world has been abnormal for so long that we've forgotten what it's like to live in a peaceful and reasonable climate. If there is to be any peace or reason, we have to create it in our own hearts and homes." (From her novel A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and thank you to Sarah Bessey for quoting this!) Goodness, isn't this true for us today? These days are anything but normal and we have control over so little. We vote (PLEASE GO VOTE), we do our part, and at the end of the day all we can tend to is our heart and the places that feel like home. This is the place we commit to making peace. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Jesus said this in his famous sermon on the mount, and no matter what happens with this year's American election, we commit to being faithful people of peace. This final episode of our faith and politics series is sure to be the dose of hope and hilarity that you want and need. We love you all so much - thank you for tuning in!

We know you've looked at someone with your head cocked sideways, and thought, WHY DO YOU THINK LIKE THAT?! Today's episode looks at the reasons people think the way they think, and vote the way they vote. Why do we make caricatures of certain people groups? Why some Christians want to see America become a Christian nation? How does trauma inform the way we see others and our role in society? We were inspired by Rich Villlodas's recent post (https://www.instagram.com/p/CGfpsf7n1L8/) and his work in general, and thought it was important to talk about leading up to the election. We hope to inspire critical thinking, thoughtful reflection, and spur you on toward loving people across the aisle. Another link we referenced was this interview with Jen Toledo and Christian Gonzalez Ho, on Jesus, Politics and Power: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2FqUhLdgco (Start watching at the 47m mark!) As always, thank you for joining us! We'd love for you to take a minute to rate and review Why Tho - it helps others find the show! Follow Tiffany and Ashley on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie

One of the most divisive issues in America's Christian communities is the issue of abortion. We felt it was extremely important to cover this difficult topic because this matters to women, to families, and to us. As Sister Joan Chittister said, "I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion, that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is." Pro-birth is not enough. We need to care for people from the womb to the tomb, to value all life, every color, nationality and gender, as made in the image of God. Today's episode, while not exhaustive, will focus on women, on thoughtfully considering what it would take to make abortion unnecessary, and what we can do to serve as compassionate people of faith. Shame is never a tool in our toolbelt, but love is. As promised during the episode, here are a few videos, podcasts, and articles that will help you better understand the issue, as well as the history of evangelicals and single issue voting based on abortion politics. https://www.npr.org/2019/06/11/731664197/apocalypse-now https://www.facebook.com/1048186335224436/videos/581219142587470 https://www.ashabercrombie.org/old-fashioned-truth-telling/2019/01/25/the-stigma-shame-of-abortion https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a34339956/senator-gary-peters-abortion/?fbclid=IwAR2AL5hEOttv1EYk_xoFAl-R4ePiVpNiRMH7uIcRvLWUcYv3Ivq2hgR2Vyg Read Ashley's full story of abortion by downloading the first chapter of her book for free: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5dd813901bf52c00294a6826

HELP! Politics is destroying my family! People are choosing sides, demonizing the party they don't agree with, and telling family members that they are supporting the anti-Christ if they vote one way or the other. Worse, this seems to be happening so much in the evangelical space. So, what do we do? How do we relate to each other? Today's episode helps you personally navigate difficult conversations, setting boundaries, creating safe spaces, and learning how to deal with family members who refuse to listen or see another way. Feeling the sting of separation at home, church and in friendship circles? This episode is for you. As always, we're here for you, and this series will bless you over the next few weeks. Why Tho keeping you safe and sane during election season! We've got nothing but love for you, dear listener! If you love Why Tho, please take a moment to rate or review the podcast! It's a joy to hear from you, and thank you for your support! To connect with Ashley and Tiffany, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashabercrombie/ https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybluhm/