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

Welcome to the February Letter from the Editor episode! I'm excited to release again a fresh twist on podcast delivery - releasing four episodes at once, inspired by the nostalgic comfort of flipping through a magazine. Each episode stands alone, yet weaves together to create a cohesive theme.

The theme of this edition: NOTICE + NOURISH.

This "letter from the editor" episode sets the stage for our exploration of noticing and nourishing in 2025, and is my heart to yours.

Drawing inspiration from 2 Kings, we'll explore how Biblical wisdom applies to our fast-paced lives today. Learn how to:

• Listen for God's guidance
• Watch for His signposts
• Observe what He requires

In a world that often feels like it's moving at breakneck speed, let’s nurture the parts that need a little extra care.

This episode, along with the accompanying interviews, offers a blend of emotional reflection and tangible exercises. It's an opportunity to slow down, ponder, and take steps towards living more intentionally.

Are you ready to notice the beauty in your everyday life and nourish the aspects that truly matter?

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

If you’ve followed Cleere Reaves, who you probably know as CleerelyStated, on Instagram for even just 5 minutes, you know she has the gift of putting into words what God is laying on our hearts. From almost a collective, societal perspective! I don’t know how, but she does. It is a miraculous thing.

And my conversation with her felt like her writing coming to life. If you’re ready for a girl’s girl kind of conversation, wrapped with God’s Truth about who HE says you are, and also feels kind of like a calming hug because someone GETS you, then signed, sealed delivered - this episode is yours.

In my chat with Cleere, we cover:

• Why obedience is really an invitation and privilege in who you get to become
• Why it’s important to be courageous twice
• Why anger can be a hard emotion for women to access
• The difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper
• How our biggest regrets are not seeking out our full potential of our giftings

I hope you have a big smile on your face after listening to this. Because I know I sure did after having this conversation.

Follow Cleere on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cleerelystated/?hl=en
Purchase her latest devotional her: https://amzn.to/3ZKe1qz

Want to start your own podcast? Jump into my Podcast Creation Cohort! Learn more here! https://elizabethevans.co/podcastcohort

If you are feeling stuck in the middle of a season of TRANSITION, this episode is about to be your best friend.

I had the privilege of sitting down with pastor, author, and writer: Craig Cooney. But you probably know him as DailyProphetic on Instagram!

Craig has a gift to bring God’s Word into our present day lives - and delivers this through Scripturally backed encouragement and Spirit led insights (and oh yeah, he’s from Ireland!). In this episode, we focus on 4 things that keep us feeling *stuck* in our current position, and what exactly to do about it.

From Scripture to personal stories, this episode is truly a moving conversation.

Tune in to hear how to take your next, best step - and get unstuck in your life.

Follow Craig here: https://www.instagram.com/daily.prophetic/?hl=en

Purchase his books here:

Tension of Transition: https://amzn.to/3VrSe4D

The Threshold: https://amzn.to/3ONPmeD

Want to start your own podcast? Jump into my Podcast Creation Cohort! Learn more here! https://elizabethevans.co/podcastcohort

Ready for some decorating tips, funny wedding planning stories, and advice on perfecting the art of the pivot - well you're in the right place. Today on the podcast is Mary Hollis Huddleston, previously known on Instagram as Mrs Southern Social.

Mary Hollis is a Nashville native, previous owner of the event rental company, Please Be Seated, and author of 2 books: Without a Hitch and Piece of Cake. Her brand is all about hosting and entertaining without the hassle.

What I love about Mary Hollis and this conversation is that it lays out how someone can take a passion for something, in this case: hosting, and turn it into so many different creative avenues.

From being a wedding planner, to owning an event rental business, to now authoring fiction books based on her funny life experiences - Mary Hollis is the epitome of creating your own lane with your creativity.

Today I’m chatting with her about

• The impact her grandmother had on her,
• Tips to decorating your home for the holidays, and
• How anyone can start over at any time.

You can find her on Instagram at @maryhollishuddleston

And her books at her website! https://www.maryhollishuddleston.com/

Want to start your own podcast? Jump into my Podcast Creation Cohort! Learn more here! https://elizabethevans.co/podcastcohort

In this inaugural ‘magazine’ release of the Napkin Notes - December Edition, I’m kicking things off with what I’m calling a Letter from the Editor Episode! Because of my love of magazines, I’m releasing all 4 episodes this month at once in hopes to provide an audio formatted, magazine-like experience with each episode representing a different segment of a cohesive magazine.

This Letter from the Editor + this month’s theme is about the importance of looking back and *remembering.* Because sometimes it takes looking back to find our way forward. Tune in for 3 ways to actively remember this Christmas season and to discover clarity for 2025.

After tuning in to this December’s Letter from the Editor Episode, be sure to listen to the 3 interview episodes waiting for you to consume throughout the month! From tablescape decorating, to how to get unstuck for 2025, to girlfriend conversations about how God is working our lives - this edition will warm your heart for the holidays!

Now go call your mom or text your best friend to let them know you’re thinking of them!

Xx,

e

Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/?hl=en