Our Time to Rise in Midlife

Alexandra Kuykendall & Krista Gilbert
  • 4.8 (244)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Together we are rising to meet life's challenges, seasons, opportunities, and changes with strength, courage, optimism, and faith. From the heavy and hard to the light-hearted and fun, authors and leadership mentors Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall bring you honest and hopeful conversations for this moment in your life. We are intentional here. We are hopeful. We are encouraging each other. We are honest. We are realistic. We are for each other. We are God fearing and Holy Spirit welcoming. We are joyful. We are generous. We are capable. We are rising together. It is our time to meet the moment. It is our time to rise.

  1. May 26

    Ep.549: One Last Time: Our Final Episode with Krista and Alex

    THIS IS IT. After ten years, hundreds of conversations, and countless moments of laughter, tears, growth, and God's faithfulness… this is our final episode. It doesn't feel like a goodbye. It feels like a commissioning. What started as two friends sitting behind microphones became something so much bigger than we ever imagined. This podcast became a gathering place — a community of women walking arm in arm through faith, healing, leadership, friendship, heartbreak, growth, and all the in-between spaces of life. Our hearts are full of gratitude. We're grateful to every one of you who invited us into your car rides, kitchens, morning walks, and late-night moments. We're grateful for technology that somehow connected our hearts across cities, countries, and seasons of life. And most of all, we're grateful for the way God met each of us here. On the podcast today, we talk about all we've learned: how healing rarely happens in isolation, why consistency matters, and how authenticity builds trust. We talk about the power of friendship, how endings can also be beginnings, and what it looks like to honor the past while bravely stepping into the future. As we close this chapter, we want you to know this: you were never just listeners to us. You were companions on the journey. We have felt your prayers, your encouragement, your stories, and your presence every step of the way. And wherever life takes us next, we'll carry this community with us. Because at the end of the day, this has always been about more than a podcast.It's been about becoming. Healing. Belonging. And most of all, walking each other home.May you walk forward in love with great courage. Thank you for these incredible ten years!! QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What have you received from Our Time to Rise Podcast? Offer up a word of gratitude to God for that, for where He has met you in that. Where is it my time to rise? Offer you time to rise to God. Prayer and Declarations Over Our Listeners -May you walk in the knowledge of being chosen and known, believing God had and has a purpose for you in the circle. -May you treasure the unique abilities, talents, and gifts you've been gifted, knowing they are to be used for purposes beyond yourself. -When doubt or fear sneaks up on you and whispers your name, may you turn your head toward the light of Christ and embrace your true identity. -May you find peace and joy in the work in front of you, believing it has a purpose beyond what you can see. -May you find pleasure in the small tasks and gifts of ordinary life, believing God chose to enter the world through the smallest way. -when you make a mistake or experience the pain of failure. May it not convert to shame or end with giving up. -May grace pour over you and flow through you at every step and may it continually transform your life from the inside out. -When Pride offers to travel beside you, may you quickly recognize its face and refuse its company. -May you embrace the hand of humility with a firm grip and embrace the wisdom that comes from her hand. May you walk with your eyes fixed on service rather than on self. -When others try to compete or compare, may you instead link arms and be the voice of unity and encouragement. -May you offer dignity in the form of sincerity, listening, and compassion. -May you look at the doors as gifts rather than burdens, believing God has His glory in mind when He works out the details. -When leadership grows your character and pushes you to the end of yourself, may you discover more of God there. Above all, may you walk in love, believing God is love today, tomorrow, and always. LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    38 min

  2. May 19

    Ep.548: Why It All Matters: Even When It Ends with Krista Gilbert and Alex Kuykendall

    What determines if something mattered? When an ending happens, does it mean failure? Or that the things that happened weren't worth the effort? Midlife is full of endings. Some that are expected and others that are not. As Krista and Alex bring the podcast to a close, they reflect on what this ending and so many others mean.   Perhaps you are facing an ending. Do you see the purpose in how you invested your time? Your self? Were you changed as a result of what happened? If so, it counts!   We are in a constant state of becoming - so all things contribute to who we are. Perhaps a relationship is ending, a marriage even. Perhaps a job is ending, a career even. Perhaps a stage of life is ending, a location even. No matter the change, you have an opportunity to reflect on how what happened has been an investment in who you are. Join Krista and Alex as they consider how ten years of hosting this podcast has impacted them.  A FEW THINGS MENTIONED From Strength to Strength- Arthur Brook Grace in Disguise- Jerry Sittser Interior Freedom QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What did this season teach you? How did it shape who you are today? Who did it allow you to serve? What strength did it build in you? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    38 min

  3. May 12

    Ep.547: Courage in The Unknown with Krista Gilbert and Alex Kuykendall

    After nearly a decade of conversations, growth, and shared wisdom, this episode feels especially meaningful… and monumental. In this heartfelt conversation, Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall reflect on the courage it takes to step into uncertainty, release what once felt certain, and trust God with what comes next. Together, we explore the tension between faith and certainty, the neuroscience behind fear and resilience, and the invitation to hold opportunities — and seasons — with open hands. Whether you're navigating a transition, sensing a new beginning, or simply trying to take the next faithful step, this episode will meet you there. Because sometimes the bravest thing we can do is trust the unknown.  We're doing that in today's episode.  Push play to find out how.  In This Episode Why endings and new beginnings require courage The difference between faith and certainty How fear impacts the brain and nervous system Spiritual practices that help us embrace change What emotional agility looks like in everyday life Learning to trust God one step at a time A FEW THINGS MENTIONED The Road Less Triggered- Dr. Kelly Flanagan The Road Less Traveled- M. Scott Peck Emotional Agility- Susan David LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    34 min

  4. May 5

    Ep.546: Build Your Marriage with Prayer with Brad & Heidi Mitchell

    If you are married you likely pray for your spouse. Perhaps it's not as frequent as you'd like it to be, but it happens. Brad and Heidi Mitchell ask the question, how often do you pray WITH your spouse? Why? Because the Holy Spirit does something special when we come to God with our concerns together. Whether it's a blessing over their day, a shared grief or concern, or the opportunity to talk with God together, prayer with our spouse builds a special kind of intimacy.  But what if my spouse isn't comfortable praying out loud? Brad and Heidi have great tips for that. We must all build our muscles in something new and they offer ways spouses can start praying together on a regular basis, not just when crisis hits, in ways that feel comfortable for everyone. If you want to strengthen your relationship and build deeper intimacy, coming to God together does just that FIND MORE ABOUT BRAD & HEIDI MITCHELL Brad & Heidi Mitchells'- Website and Instagram Brad & Heidi Mitchells' Book- Build Your Marriage with Prayer A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Brad & Heidi Mitchells' other book- Ruined to Recovery; Help When the Affair is Discovered Lee Strobel's book- The Case for Grace Wesley Duewel's book- Touch the World Through Prayer Bible verse- John 17 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What is one way you can incorporate prayer for your spouse into your routine? What is one way you can incorporate praying together into your routine? Are there areas in your life that you would like to pray that you don't typically pray about together? Pray a prayer of blessing over your spouse this week. LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    41 min

  5. Apr 28

    Ep.545: Midlife Money That Matters with John Coleman

    John Coleman has made his career talking to people about aligning their money with their values and we get the benefit of his expertise and wisdom. If money talk intimidates you, don't worry, John speaks to our hearts as much as our heads, as we consider what we truly want and how money can be used to meet goals. Based on his newest book Good Money, John explores how faith, purpose, and financial wisdom intersect in midlife. As an investor, author, and speaker, he brings practical knowledge with bigger questions. Discoverstrategies for managing money, passing values to the next generation, and redefining retirement for a meaningful life.  We promise, you do NOT want to miss this conversation. We are both eating up John's book and did not want this conversation to end. He understood us AND he had so much encouragement to share. No matter your current financial situation, you can work toward Good Money. FIND MORE ABOUT JOHN COLEMAN John Coleman- Website and Substack John Coleman Book- Good Money A FEW THINGS MENTIONED John's other books- Passion and Purpose John's Novel- Miracles From Strength to Strength- Arthur Brooks LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    43 min

  6. Apr 21

    Ep.544: It's Not Too Late: How to Reinvent Your Life Part 2 with Mitch Matthews

    If you've ever wondered whether you missed your moment or if it's too late to begin again, this conversation will meet you right where you are.  Mitch Matthews, a high performance coach, reframes midlife not as a closing chapter, but as a powerful starting point—one where your life experience becomes the very foundation for what's next. Blending practical strategy, neuroscience, and faith-centered encouragement, he invites you to see reinvention as something accessible, not overwhelming.  In this episode, we explore how curiosity and novelty can reignite passion, why giving yourself permission to start small builds real momentum, and how to quiet imposter syndrome by developing authentic, grounded confidence. You'll hear about practical tools to help you recognize your unique gifts and begin aligning your work and calling with who you truly are. Rooted in both mindset and faith, this conversation also speaks to the deeper tension many feel between contentment and the desire to dream bigger. Mitch shares how biblical truth affirms your value and calling, while also addressing the real relational ripple effects that can come when you pursue a new path.  This episode is an invitation to honor where you've been, embrace who you are, and step into your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and purpose. FIND MORE ABOUT MITCH MATTHEWS Mitch Matthews- Website Mitch Matthews Podcast- Dream, Think and Do Mitch's Gift to You-MAKE TIME FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER -coupon code to make it free for you is simply: RISE A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 John 10:10 Ephesians 3 Joshua 1:9 Book: From Strength to Strength QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE How have you misunderstood confidence and how can you use this new definition to step into unknown territory? In what area has your own thinking held you back? What belief do you need to let go off in order to monetize your skillset and abilities? LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    28 min

  7. Apr 14

    Ep.543: It's Not Too Late: How to Reinvent Your Life Part 1 with Mitch Matthews

    If you've ever wondered whether you missed your moment or if it's too late to begin again, this conversation will meet you right where you are.  Mitch Matthews, a high performance coach, reframes midlife not as a closing chapter, but as a powerful starting point—one where your life experience becomes the very foundation for what's next. Blending practical strategy, neuroscience, and faith-centered encouragement, he invites you to see reinvention as something accessible, not overwhelming.  In this episode, we explore how curiosity and novelty can reignite passion, why giving yourself permission to start small builds real momentum, and how to quiet imposter syndrome by developing authentic, grounded confidence. You'll hear about practical tools to help you recognize your unique gifts and begin aligning your work and calling with who you truly are. Rooted in both mindset and faith, this conversation also speaks to the deeper tension many feel between contentment and the desire to dream bigger. Mitch shares how biblical truth affirms your value and calling, while also addressing the real relational ripple effects that can come when you pursue a new path.  This episode is an invitation to honor where you've been, embrace who you are, and step into your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and purpose. LISTEN TO THE EPISODE On iTunes or watch it here: FIND MORE ABOUT MITCH MATTHEWS Mitch Matthews- Website Mitch Matthews Podcast- Dream, Think and Do A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 John 10:10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE Mitch talked about documenting your brilliance, what would it look like for you to do that over the next week or month? In what area do you need to move from "who am I to do this" to "why not me"? In what area do you need to give yourself permission to take the next step? LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    37 min

  8. Apr 7

    Ep.542: When You Love Someone in Recovery with Caroline Beidler, MSW

    Addiction has ripple effects. When you love someone who is in active recovery you often don't know if you are saying or doing the right thing to help. Caroline Beidler gives us words of hope: you can't go wrong with compassion. As a person who is walking out her own recovery from substances and a professional who creates resources for others in recovery, Caroline is able to broach this topic from multiple angles.  We talk through boundaries, enabling, and relapse. All topics that impact not just the person in recovery, but those caring for him or her. We also cover neuroscience of addiction and genetic factors that may be at play because family members often struggle with the "why" behind the addiction. And finally how do we have difficult conversations? Especially in the early stages of recovery when hurts on both sides may still feel quite raw? Caroline walks us through all of that. If you love someone who is in active addiction or in recovery - in any form - this episode will help you feel less alone. It will also offer some practical approaches to potentially awkward conversations so that we can love well. And you can never go wrong with compassion. FIND MORE ABOUT CAROLINE BEIDLER Caroline Beidler- Website and Instagram Caroline Beidler Book- When You Love Someone in Recovery Caroline Beidler's - Recovery Rhythm Reset A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Recovery Resources- Recovery.com Bible Verse- Luke 15:20 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE How can you hold hope for someone in your life? What is your support system as you support someone in recovery? Do you need to have some non-weird conversation about how to do life together? How can you run with compassion towards someone who is already in recovery or moving in that direction? LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

    40 min
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4.8
out of 5
244 Ratings

About

Together we are rising to meet life's challenges, seasons, opportunities, and changes with strength, courage, optimism, and faith. From the heavy and hard to the light-hearted and fun, authors and leadership mentors Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall bring you honest and hopeful conversations for this moment in your life. We are intentional here. We are hopeful. We are encouraging each other. We are honest. We are realistic. We are for each other. We are God fearing and Holy Spirit welcoming. We are joyful. We are generous. We are capable. We are rising together. It is our time to meet the moment. It is our time to rise.

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