Today’s Napkin Notes episode is with actress, author, and mother, Alexa Penavega. If you’re like me, you probably first experienced Alexa on the big screen with the mega franchise hit, Spy Kids. But throughout the years, it felt like we grew up together with the movie Sleepover, Hallmark movies, and now - Great American Family. But we’re talking so much more than Hollywood in today’s episode (okay, okay - we talk about it a little bit because it’s fun, ya know?!).

In our convo, Alexa opens up about her unique childhood in the entertainment industry, how her faith has been the anchor through life's storms, and the importance of intergenerational friendships.

She candidly shares about:

• The transition from living on a houseboat to settling in Tennessee
• Balancing a successful acting career with family life
• How to maintain a soft heart despite life's challenges
• Starting a production company with her husband and close friends
• Practical advice for being more present in daily life

For fans of Alexa's work, she provides some exciting insights into her recent projects:

• The making of "Get Him Back for Christmas" and working with Mario Lopez
• Potential future collaborations, including a possible "Sleepover" remake
• Her transition to Great American Family

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and finding purpose in every season of life.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Alexa's story, this episode promises to leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to embrace life's journey with grace and trust in God's plan.

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co

Follow Alexa here: https://www.instagram.com/vegaalexa/

Subscribe to their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaVidaPenaVega

Have you ever felt stuck in a pattern of behavior you just can't seem to break? In this episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron, author, therapist, and Enneagram expert, to explore how the 12 steps of recovery can offer a path to transformation for everyone - not just those struggling with substance abuse.

Think: People Pleasers, Approval Seekers, Overthinkers.

Ian shares his personal journey of overcoming alcoholism and how it led him to become a therapist and author. But even more than that, we talk a lot about his upbringing because Ian has the most interesting stories (like when he was a jingle singer in New York in the 80s).

We chat about:

• Ian's perspective on finding your life's purpose without the pressure of one perfect calling
• How admitting powerlessness (and God’s all powerful nature) can actually be the first step to freedom
• Why the 12 steps aren't just for addiction recovery, but for any unhealthy attachment
• The importance of spiritual practices like centering prayer in personal growth
• The impact of key figures in our lives growing up

Whether you're curious about the 12 steps or simply looking for a fresh approach to personal growth, this conversation offers valuable insights on breaking free from limiting patterns and embracing transformation.

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co

Follow Ian here: https://www.instagram.com/ianmorgancron/?hl=en

Buy his book, The Fix, here: https://ianmorgancron.com/books

Have you ever felt the lingering effects of childhood bullying well into adulthood? It may seem trivial-- juvenile even, but those hurtful words/behaviors at an impactful age can stay with us into adulthood - holding us back from who we were made to be.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with licensed, professional therapist, Laura Williams, to explore the lasting impact of high school bullying on women and how to heal other deep-seated wounds.

We chat about:

• How we can stop people pleasing and become like ourselves
• The importance of validating your emotions, even years later
• Recognizing core wounds and the beliefs we falsely hold on to from them
• What reparenting is and how it can heal our younger selves
• How to build healthier boundaries as an adult

This conversation offers a compassionate look at a painful topic many of us have experienced. Laura's wisdom provides a roadmap for reclaiming your power and healing old hurts.

Whether you're struggling with the effects of past bullying or want to better support others, this episode offers valuable tools for growth and healing. Join us as we navigate this sensitive subject with care and insight.

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co

Follow Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/laurawilliamslpc

Listen to Laura’s podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jGFRvNDRLo5HIWg6Wguch?si=06e2bc7941604962