Living Fearlessly Podcast

Michelle Hillaert

Living Fearlessly is a faith-centered podcast hosted by Michelle Hillaert, created for those who want to stop letting fear define their lives and start living boldly in faith and trust. In this podcast, we talk honestly about fear - from the quiet, everyday fears that shape our lives to the moments that can change everything in an instant. Through personal stories, meaningful conversations, and encouragement, Living Fearlessly explores our journey through this often chaotic life on earth and toward our true and final home in heaven. Rooted in Scripture and the truth that God is love, this podcast is an invitation to live differently- to trust more deeply, lean into faith, and choose courage even when it feels uncomfortable. Inspired by Matthew 5:14, Living Fearlessly encourages you not to hide your light, but to let it shine. This is a space for those who are willing to step into the arena, live their faith out loud, lean into surrender, and dare greatly. Live Fearlessly, my friend.

  1. 5d ago

    Still Dancing in the Kitchen: Michelle and Trent on 26 Years of Marriage

    🎙️ Still Dancing in the Kitchen: Michelle and Trent on 26 Years of MarriageA real, honest conversation about what it actually takes to make love last. This week, Michelle is joined by a very special guest, her husband, Trent, for a conversation that's been a long time coming. Recorded in the middle of a week full of family, festivities, and an upcoming 50th birthday celebration, they sit down to share what 26 years of marriage has actually looked like: the hard seasons, the survival mode, the moments they almost lost sight of each other, and the things that brought them back. This isn't a fairy tale. It's two imperfect people who chose each other, kept choosing each other, and figured out along the way that a great marriage isn't something that just happens. It's built decision by decision, conversation by conversation, and yes, sometimes dance by dance in the kitchen. If you're in a season where your marriage feels dry, distant, or just stuck in the routine, this one's for you. About Trent: Trent Hillaert is Michelle's husband of 26 years and the father of their six children. A former religious order member with a Master's in Theology & Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville, he now serves as Vice President of the Blinds Division at EcoNize Closets & Blinds. A soccer coach and man of deep faith, Trent is the detail-oriented voice of reason to Michelle's big-picture dreaming. 💬 Key TakeawaysLove is a decision — not a feeling. The butterflies are beautiful, but they're not love. Love is the choice you make when he leaves his clothes on the floor - again. It's an act of the will, every single day. It takes three to be married. God has to be at the center — not just as a couple, but individually. The hardest season of their marriage happened when they let go of that anchor and shifted into survival mode instead of surrender. Go all in. No hidden stashes. No separate agendas. No walls. When you hold back — financially, emotionally, spiritually — you're telling your spouse they don't get all of you. Marriage only works when both people are fully in. Don't keep a ledger. Stop tallying what your spouse did wrong. Stop using "always" and "never." The ledger drives you apart — and it's not forgiveness. It's a substitute for a real conversation. Communicate sincerely — and seek to understand. Learn each other's love languages. The more you understand how the other person is wired, the better you can love them. Discover your own stride. You came from two different families. Neither one is the template. Create your own — your own traditions, your own culture, your own answer to the question: what does it mean to be us? Set your boundaries. Who you spend time with matters. Private conversations with members of the opposite sex, couples who talk down about their spouses, influences that pull you away from your values — these are worth paying attention to. Have house rules for the hard moments. No name-calling. Don't bring up the past. Fight about the present issue. And find a way to pray together — even imperfectly — through the storms. Never stop dating each other. The kids will grow up and leave. If you've spent 20 years managing the household and forgot to tend the friendship, the empty nest is going to feel very empty. Date nights, dancing in the kitchen, getting dressed up — keep the spark intentional. ✅ Resources Mentioned📘 Three to Get Married by Fulton J. Sheen — The classic on how God's role in a marriage is what makes it work; the foundation for Michelle and Trent's "it takes three" principle 🎥 The Ledger People — A marriage prep video, findable on YouTube; a (cheesy but effective) illustration of what happens when couples keep score 💛 The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman — Referenced for understanding how to love your spouse the way they receive love, not just the way you give it 💪 CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) — The assessment Michelle and Trent both took to better understand their differences and how they complement each other 🏕️ Marriage Encounter — The retreat where they learned communication tools like "when you do this, it feels like…" — a framework for expressing hurt without attacking 🎙️ Catholic Family Incorked — Michelle and Trent's previous podcast together (one they're hoping to pick back up!) Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us

  2. Jul 6

    The Sanity Closet: Forgiveness, Lightning Strikes & Letting Go

    🎙️ The Sanity Closet: Forgiveness, Lightning Strikes & Letting GoA heartfelt conversation with The Sanity Closet sisters. Warning: This episode contains late starts, turkey-chasing updates, a near-tarantula sighting, a golden doodle brain cell theory, and some of the most tender, hard-won wisdom you'll hear on forgiveness. The Sanity Closet is back — and this time, Michelle and six of her sisters gather for a conversation that's equal parts laughter and tears. After a chaotic start involving mini earthquakes, a missing Eileen, and Debbie skipping dinner, the sisters dive into one of the most important — and most challenging — topics a person of faith can tackle: forgiveness. This isn't a polished theology lecture. It's real women, with real hurts, sharing real journeys. From domestic abuse and shattered dreams to a falsely questioned college transcript and a cussing boss, the sisters get honest about the kinds of wounds that don't heal overnight — and the practices, prayers, and hard-won grace that have helped them begin to let go. If you're holding something that feels impossible to release, this episode is for you. You are not alone. The Sanity Closet Roll Call (Oldest to Youngest) DollyMarianneEileenMichelleThereseJennyDebbie 💬 Key TakeawaysForgiveness is not for the other person — it's for you. Unforgiveness keeps your cortisol high and your heart hard. Forgiveness is an act of healing, not an act of excusing. You don't have to invite them over. You just have to let go. Forgiveness doesn't mean restoring a relationship — it means trusting that God is big enough to deal with it. Forgiving yourself may be the hardest part. Self-forgiveness is real work, and it's holy work. God's mercy is bigger than your mistakes. Forgiveness isn't a one-time act — it's 70 times 7. Not 490 different people. The same wound, every time it surfaces. You make the act even when you don't feel it. Look at their brokenness. Seeing the other person through the lens of their own woundedness isn't excusing — it's a doorway to compassion. When you can't pray for someone, start here. "God, help them become the person you created them to be." A simple prayer for every day: "Father, you forgive them. I forgive them. I release them." Repeat as needed — for as many people as need it. Write the name down. There's real science behind writing by hand. Write their name. Pray for them daily. Even when it's hard — especially then. Unforgiveness is a lamp covered in soot. As you learn to release and forgive, the glass clears — and Christ can shine through you. To forgive is to live fearlessly. ✅ Resources Mentioned📻 Dr. Lee Warren — Neurosurgeon & host of Self Brain Surgery podcast 📘 The Shack by William P. Young — A deeply moving story about a father's journey toward forgiving the unforgivable; includes a powerful image of what true forgiveness means 📘 Spiritual Combat by Fr. Lorenzo Scupoli — The sisters' current book study; includes the practice of praying and showing charity toward the people who are hardest to love 📘 Divine Intimacy by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen — Daily meditations following the Church calendar; includes a line about bearing "all my neighbor's defects" without surprise 🙏 Dr. Mike Hutchins — Speaker on PTSD healing and deliverance ministry; teaches the "Father, you forgive them / I forgive them / I release them" prayer; also shared how acts of forgiveness have been linked to physical and spiritual healings 📘 Five Keys to Freedom — Referenced for the role forgiveness plays in deliverance and healing ministry Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us

  3. Jun 22

    Giving Christ Our Messy Yes: Abiding, Serving, & Shining

    🎙️ Giving Christ Our Messy Yes: Abiding, Serving, & Shining In this heartfelt episode, Michelle Hillaert takes you along on a last-minute weekend away with her sister Eileen, a trip to Global Awakening's Voice of the Women conference that turned into so much more than she expected. Between a preaching workshop she had 10 minutes to prepare for, a powerful panel on hospitality and discipleship, and some honest moments with the Lord, Michelle came home with a fire in her heart she had to share. She opens up her own testimony - the tantrums, the rock band years, the $60,000 wire scam, and the 5 AM prayer appointments that slowly changed everything - and weaves it together with Scripture, stories from the conference, and a gentle but bold invitation: give Christ your messy yes. Not your perfect yes. Your real one. 💡 Key Takeaways:You don't need a perfect house, a polished story, or a platform to share Christ. You just need to show up.Bearing fruit flows from abiding; apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5)Hospitality - inviting people in, feeding them, making them feel seen - is discipleship in actionThe biggest reason we don't share our faith? Fear of rejection. Living fearlessly means doing it anywayChrist isn't waiting for you to arrive. He's booking it to be with you - just give Him your yesYour story matters. Someone needs to hear it 📖 Scripture References:John 15:5 & 15:7 — The vine and the branches; abiding in Christ1 Peter 2:21 — Following in the footsteps of ChristJohn 4 — The Woman at the WellMatthew 6:10 — "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven" ✅ Resources Mentioned:🏛️ Global Awakening — Voice of the Women Conference📘 Appointment With God — Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR📘 Jesus and You, Woman — retreat and reflection on women in the Gospel🎙️ The Sanity Closet Podcast — Michelle's podcast with her sisters Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us

  4. Jun 8

    Budgeting, Priorities & Financial Freedom

    🎙️ Budgeting, Priorities & Financial FreedomA heart-to-heart conversation with Melissa Gordon. Many of us carry fear, stress, or even shame around money. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck, avoiding your bank account, or simply wondering where your money keeps disappearing, this conversation offers a different perspective: budgeting isn't about restriction, it's about freedom. In this episode, Michelle sits down with her longtime friend Melissa Gordon, whose journey from a young single mom earning $8 an hour to a financially secure executive was built not on luck or complicated strategies, but on intentional choices, consistent habits, and a simple budgeting system. Melissa shares how tracking her spending helped her avoid bankruptcy, pay off debt, build wealth, and create a life aligned with her values. Together, Michelle and Melissa discuss why budgets often feel intimidating, how taking agency over your finances can reduce anxiety, and why understanding where your money goes is one of the most empowering things you can do. They also dive into their family's tradition of "No Spend January," the importance of spending according to your priorities, and how budgeting can become a tool for living more fearlessly—not just financially, but in every area of life. Whether you're just getting started or looking to regain control of your finances, this episode will encourage you to take the first step. In This Episode You'll Learn:Why budgeting creates freedom rather than restrictionHow tracking your spending can reveal hidden "money leaks"The difference between spending, saving, and investingHow to align your finances with your values and prioritiesWhy small, consistent changes often create lasting resultsThe concept behind "No Spend January" and financial resetsHow budgeting can reduce stress and strengthen relationshipsPractical first steps for anyone who feels overwhelmed by money 💬 Key Takeaways:Budgeting creates freedom, not restrictionAwareness helps you make intentional spending choices“No Spend” months can reset spending habitsSpending naturally rises with income if you don’t control itAllow yourself planned spending so budgeting is sustainableDon’t wait for perfection—just startSpend in alignment with your values Resources MentionedThe Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn — Practical, no-frills money-saving ideas focused on stretching resources and reducing waste.The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko — Research-based insights into how everyday people quietly build wealth over time.The Millionaire Mind by Thomas J. Stanley — Explores the habits and thinking patterns behind long-term financial success.Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez — A framework for understanding the relationship between time, money, and life energy. Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 About Melissa GordonMelissa Gordon is an executive leader and mom of four who learned how to manage money in a very real-life way starting at about $8 an hour while raising a young child and working her way out of debt. During that season, she built a simple spreadsheet system to track every dollar, bringing structure and clarity to a very uncertain financial picture. What began as a survival tool gradually became a lifelong approach to budgeting and forecasting that she still uses today. Her system focuses on visibility, consistency, and intentional decision-making. Melissa’s approach is practical and grounded: know your numbers, stay consistent, and use budgeting as a tool for freedom - not restriction. Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

  5. May 25

    Don’t Mix the Play-Doh: Motherhood, Memories & Letting Go

    🎙️ Don’t Mix the Play-Doh: Motherhood, Memories & Letting GoA heartfelt conversation with Jacki Ascough. What if the very chaos you’re trying to survive today becomes the thing you miss the most tomorrow? In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with new friend and fellow mama Jacki Ascough — a Texas native who spent over 30 years raising her family in Ireland before returning to the United States. Together, they share an honest conversation about motherhood, memories, grief, family culture, launching children into adulthood, screen-time struggles, perfectionism, faith, and learning how to hold each season of life with open hands. From mixed-up Play-Doh and overflowing laundry baskets to adult children returning home with guitars, grandbabies, and new memories to make, this episode is a beautiful reminder that love matters more than perfection, and that the little moments we rush through today often become the moments we treasure most later. Michelle and Jacki reflect on: The bittersweet transition from raising children to launching themWhy moms often cling to perfectionism and controlCreating a home your children actually want to come back toThe grief that comes when kids leave home - and the beauty that followsRaising children in a screen-saturated worldThe importance of apologizing to your childrenLetting go of shame and embracing growthWhy discipline, warmth, faith, and fun all matter in family cultureLearning to savor every season before it changes If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood, discouraged by your imperfections, or afraid you’re “getting it wrong,” this conversation will remind you that love covers far more than you think. Because someday, you may just miss the noise, the mess, the socks on the floor… and even the mixed-up Play-Doh. 💬 Key Takeaways:The seasons of family life change faster than we realizeYour children won’t remember perfection - they’ll remember loveA peaceful home is built through connection, not controlIt’s okay to apologize to your children and model humilityCreating warm memories matters more than maintaining perfect orderSocial media and screens require intentional boundariesGrieving changing seasons is healthy and normalThe goal is to create a home your children want to return toGod can redeem every imperfect part of our parenting journeyLiving fearlessly means surrendering our children - and ourselves - to God Resources MentionedThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyBrené Brown and her work on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted livingThe Dialogue of Saint Catherine of SienaSpirit Radio Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 About JackiRadio Presenter/Consultant at Mother of Divine Grace School Jacki met her husband, Tom,  over a game of volleyball in Houston, Texas.  Her “yes” to Tom that day led to her conversion to Catholicism, moving to Ireland, 27+ years of marriage, ten children, and (so far) six grandchildren.  Jacki divides her time between teaching NFP (Natural Family Planning), presenting Saturday Magazine on Spirit Radio, and home-educating their children.  She is also a private consultant supporting Irish families who are enrolled in Mother of Divine Grace School, a Catholic online Classical Curriculum. Jacki speaks publicly on Catholic issues, and has appeared on KTRK-TV Houston, RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC, and various American, Irish and UK radio programs and podcasts. You can find Jacki on Instagram at: @jackilinn67 Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

  6. May 11

    Hiding in the Sanity Closet: Practicing Delight, Hot Flashes, & Holy Joy

    🎙️ Hiding in the Sanity Closet: Practicing Delight, Hot Flashes, & Holy JoyA heartfelt conversation with The Sanity Closet sisters. What if joy isn’t something we stumble upon… but something we practice? Warning: This episode contains sister chaos, ADHD tangents, accidental theology, hot flash commentary, and a whole lot of laughter. In this laughter-filled and deeply honest episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle and her sisters gather for one of their signature “Sanity Closet” conversations — full of hilarious rabbit trails, heartfelt vulnerability, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of joy that shows up in ordinary moments. From roadside sunflowers and sourdough bread to ducks at stoplights, baby snuggles, laundry monster stories, and conversations about anxiety, hormones, and hard seasons of life, the sisters explore what it means to practice delight — especially when life feels overwhelming. Inspired by previous podcast guests discussing “practicing delight” and “playful curiosity,” this conversation dives into how intentionally noticing beauty, wonder, humor, and gratitude can slowly bring healing to weary hearts. The Sanity Closet Roll Call:MarianneEileenTheresaMichelleJennyDebbie 💬 Key Takeaways:Practicing Delight Is a Skill You Can Build Delight isn't something that just happens — it's something you actively practice. Like any habit, the more you look for small moments of joy (flowers on the roadside, a baby's tiny feet, a good meal), the more naturally it comes.Intentionality Matters Delight doesn't find you; you have to choose it. Being mindful and deliberate about noticing good things — especially when life is hard — is what keeps joy alive.You Are Not Alone in the Hard Stuff Whether it's job loss, perimenopause, anxiety, depression, or just the weight of everyday life — many women are going through it. Don't isolate. Find your people.Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help Whether that's hormone therapy, therapy, supplements, or medication — getting the right support isn't weakness. It's like calling a plumber when you don't know how to fix the water heater.Laughter Itself Is Delight The episode modeled its own message: an infectious laugh, a silly joke about apoplexy, talking to ducks — these are all delight in action. Don't underestimate the healing power of a good laugh with people you love. Resources Podcasts & ConversationsKatherine Sigmon Wadsworth on practicing delightDr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak on playful curiosityThe newly launched The Sanity Closet Podcast Books MentionedThe Power of Vulnerability by Brené BrownThe New Menopause by Mary Claire HaverThe New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

  7. Apr 27

    Awakened By Beauty - Music, Nature, & Wonder

    🎙️ Awakened By Beauty - Music, Nature, & WonderA candid conversation with Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak What if beauty isn’t just something we see—but something that changes us? In this deeply reflective and soul-stirring episode, Michelle sits down with concert cellist Dr. Larissa Kuplak to explore how beauty—especially through music and nature—has the power to awaken our hearts, heal what’s broken, and draw us closer to God. From the difference between analog and digital sound to the lost art of truly seeing, this conversation invites you to slow down, become childlike again, and rediscover the wonder that makes you feel fully alive. 🎻 A Powerful InvitationWhen was the last time you: Sat outside and truly noticed a tree?Listened to music without multitasking?Allowed yourself to be moved… without rushing on to the next thing? Beauty requires attention. And attention opens the door to transformation. 🌿 Practical Ways to Begin Again:Step outside and linger - notice details you’d normally missListen to a piece of music (start with “The Swan”) without distractionsAsk your kids (or yourself): “What do you see?”Create small moments of beauty in your homeLet go of perfection - and embrace playful curiosity 💬 Key Takeaways:We don’t need more noise—we need more wonder. As Larissa shares, when we open ourselves to beauty, we allow it to: soften our heartsrestore what’s been dulledand draw us back to the One who created it all 💛 About Larissa:Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak is a concert cellist who began performing with her family ensemble at venues like the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. She holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from UC Santa Barbara and has performed with orchestras, recorded as a session musician, and toured with artists including Marco Antonio Solis, Gloria Trevi, and Scythian. She now shares her passion for beauty and music through performances and her concert series Painting with Music. Email: lfedoryka@gmail.com Resources MentionedSadie Hoyt's classical music listening guides for families: sadiehoyt.comBach Unaccompanied Cello Suites (as interpreted by Pablo Casals)Saint-Saëns: The Swan (performed live by Larissa during the episode)

  8. Apr 20

    Fully Alive: Discovering Your God-Given Strengths

    🎙️ Fully Alive: Discovering Your God-Given StrengthsA heartfelt conversation with Katherine Sikma Wadsworth. In this powerful and life-giving episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with leadership coach Katherine Sigma Wadsworth to unpack the truth about identity, strengths, and what it really means to be fully alive. Rooted in the truth that you are God’s masterpiece, this conversation explores how understanding your natural strengths can free you from comparison, silence the lies of “not enough,” and help you step boldly into who you were created to be. Because here’s the truth: You were never meant to be everything to everyone. You were created on purpose—with purpose. Together, Michelle and Katherine dive into the transformative tool of CliftonStrengths and how it reveals not just what you’re good at—but how you’re wired to thrive. They also explore how fear and anxiety show up in our lives—and how learning to understand ourselves (instead of fighting ourselves) can lead to deeper peace, healing, and freedom. 💬 Key Takeaways:Learn what the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) assessment is and how it worksThe difference between signature themes, supporting strengths, and non-patterns (hint: there are no weaknesses!)The four domains of CliftonStrengths: Executing, Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking, and Influencing — and why we need all of themWhy you are not meant to be well-rounded — you're meant to be part of a well-rounded teamHow knowing your strengths can free you from shame and comparisonWhy self-knowledge is the foundation for living the life you were created for 💛 About Katherine:Katherine Sikma Wadsworth is an ICF-certified leadership coach, teacher, group facilitator, and the host of the You Gotta Try This! podcast. She loves to help women reignite the fire within them, helping them reclaim their power, purpose, and passion. Facebook: Katherine SikmaInstagram: @ksikma, @ksikmaphotography, @yougottatrythispodcastLinkedIn: Katherine Sikma WadsworthWebsite: reanimationconsulting.com Resources MentionedStrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom RathThe Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBrideInside Out (Pixar) — a great illustration of Internal Family Systems Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

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Living Fearlessly is a faith-centered podcast hosted by Michelle Hillaert, created for those who want to stop letting fear define their lives and start living boldly in faith and trust. In this podcast, we talk honestly about fear - from the quiet, everyday fears that shape our lives to the moments that can change everything in an instant. Through personal stories, meaningful conversations, and encouragement, Living Fearlessly explores our journey through this often chaotic life on earth and toward our true and final home in heaven. Rooted in Scripture and the truth that God is love, this podcast is an invitation to live differently- to trust more deeply, lean into faith, and choose courage even when it feels uncomfortable. Inspired by Matthew 5:14, Living Fearlessly encourages you not to hide your light, but to let it shine. This is a space for those who are willing to step into the arena, live their faith out loud, lean into surrender, and dare greatly. Live Fearlessly, my friend.

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