For Real with Kimberly Stuart

Kimberly Stuart
  • 4.9 (102)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

For Real with Kimberly Stuart invites listeners to eavesdrop on conversations with folks who live and love well, create beautiful things, teach us a ton, and let us in on what they know. Never one for successful small talk (JUNIOR HIGH WAS A STRUGGLE), Kim asks her guests to get right to it, mining stories of honesty and courage and finding plenty of snort-laughter and tears along the way. They tackle faith and grit and joy and sorrow and leave us with hope and renewed perspective to walk the stretch of road that's ours alone. For more on Kim and her books, visit KimberlyStuart.com

  1. 9H AGO

    Episode 78 - Understanding Addiction with Caroline Beidler

    Today’s conversation comes out of my own curiosity of how to come alongside people who are in recovery for substance misuse or addiction. Caroline Beidler is the person to help us do this well. Caroline is an author, speaker, and managing editor of Recovery.com, where she combines research and expert insight on addiction and mental health. Because she can draw on how it feels to be both the one struggling with addiction AND the one loving someone in those same trenches, Caroline has so much to teach us on how to understand and act with both wisdom and compassion.  Caroline Beidler, MSW, is an author, speaker, and managing editor of Recovery.com, where she combines research and expert insight on addiction and mental health. Drawing from her own recovery journey, she is the founder of the Women's Recovery Leadership Foundation and helps others find healing through her newsletter and podcast, Circle of Chairs, which reaches thousands weekly. Caroline’s next book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, a compassionate and practical guide to understanding addiction and supporting loved ones through recovery, hits shelves April 2026. She lives in eastern Tennessee with her husband and seven-year-old twins. Links from the episode: Caroline’s WebsiteWhen You Love Someone in RecoveryThis is Your Brain on Drugs CampaignProdigal SonHope Research Centerkimberlystuart.com/giveaway Book recommendation: Steps Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    39 min

  2. APR 28

    Episode 77 - Sparking a Brighter Faith with Kendall Mariah

    Kendall Mariah, I think you’ll find, is not only a really lovely human being, she is one surprise after another. We chat about the surprises, I assure you, as well as about her new book, This Little Fire of Mine. Just know that we went a mile deep AND I did start to wheeze after laughing at one of her stories. I’m talking straight-up searching for albuterol. See? Full of surprises. I loved this conversation and loved getting to chat with Kendall about her heart and mind and way of being in the world.  Kendall is a lifestyle content creator, photographer, and brand strategist whose honest storytelling has cultivated a deeply connected online community. As a business owner, military spouse, and adoptive mom, she speaks authentically about the intersections of faith, identity, and everyday life. Links from the episode: Kendall’s WebsiteThis Little Fire of MineAngela Y. Davis QuoteGIVEAWAY! Win a copy of I Like You So Much!Book recommendation: Love Does Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    46 min

  3. APR 14

    Episode 76 - Tackling The Myth of Good Christian Parenting with Kelsey Kramer McGinnis

    Kelsey Kramer McGinnis has written about so many varied and fascinating things, I can’t even keep up. Dr. Kramer McGinnis is a frequent contributor to Christianity Today, she is a college musicology professor, and she is currently spreading the word about her new book while working on another to release next year. She also is a mom of three kids ages eight and under. (I think she sleeps, but I cannot confirm.) We tackle a lot, including her research for The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Failed a Generation of Evangelicals. I hope you leave our conversation with some ideas on how to seek out wise voices when looking for guidance as we all raise our kids. And I hope you have a new appreciation for the grace we need to give ourselves as children and as parents. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis is the worship correspondent for Christianity Today. She holds a PhD in musicology and teaches music and theology at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Kelsey is a coauthor of the book The Myth of Good Christian Parenting and writes broadly on Christian music and the intersection of American Christianity and popular culture. Her next book will examine Christian diet and wellness culture and its impact on women. She lives in central Iowa with her husband and three children. Links from the episode: Kelsey’s SubstackKelsey at Christianity TodayGerman POWs in Iowa during WWIIThe Myth of Good Christian ParentingJim & Lynne JacksonTina Payne BrysonDan Siegel Book recommendations: Jonathan McReynoldsCloser Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    53 min

  4. MAR 31

    Episode 75 - Made to Create with Nate L. Nicholson

    I’m delighted to welcome Nate L. NIcholson to the podcast today. Nate is a creative’s creative. He is committed to making in all kinds of artistic media, everything from visual art to films to short documentaries to books. Nate’s new book In the Beginning We Create hit me at just the right time, and I’m positive I won’t be alone in that feeling. I was absolutely jazzed to find him and his work, and you won’t have to wonder why. Formerly from Chicago and newly relocated to Delaware (our first Delawarean guest I believe), I know you’ll enjoy this conversation with artist and creative, Nate Nicholson. Nathan L. Nicholson is an artist, award-winning graphic designer, consultant, and creative director based in Chicago. He is an ordained elder in the Church of God in Christ. In 2024, he received the 40 Under 40 COGIC Achievers Award. Nathan is also the host of the Culture Critic podcast and the founder of NUMA Art, LLC, an independent creative services and communications agency. He is married to Praniece, and they have two children. Links from the episode: Nate’s WebsiteNate’s YouTube ChannelIn the Beginning We CreateGary Area Career CenterGenesis 1Maya Angelou QuoteElevate Black VoicesArtist Who Began at 80Nina Simone QuoteStory of HagarJudge Judy Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    44 min

  5. MAR 17

    Episode 74 - Asking Better Questions with Dr. J.R. Briggs

    J.R. Briggs is a pastor, seminary professor, coach, consultant, and writer. The Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs lives with a clear and focused calling: to grow fruit on other people’s trees. His work seeks to bridge the gap between spiritual formation and actionable leadership practices, aiming to help faith leaders and their organizations grow both in their faith and their impact on their communities.  In 2011, he started Kairos Partnerships with a commitment to serve hungry kingdom leaders through leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and teaching. He loves investing in the KP team of equippers so Kairos Partnerships can invest in all leaders who desire care and equipping.  He has taught in higher education since 2017. After teaching in the practical theology department at Missio Seminary, he now serves as guest instructor at Friends University in their Masters of Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership program and Taylor University in their Masters of Leadership program. He has guest lectured, taught, and spoken at over a dozen universities and seminaries across the U.S. He also serves as the Director of Leadership & Congregational Formation for The Ecclesia Network.  He has written, co-written, and contributed to 15 books on a wide variety of topics and published over 50 articles, both online and in print, including Christianity Today, Missio Alliance, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, and N.T. Wright Online. He hosts the Resilient Leaders podcast, a weekly podcast equipping leaders to grow in their health and effectiveness. In addition to being passionate about serving and equipping leaders, J.R. loves swimming, kayaking, skiing, hiking, reading, traveling, eating sushi and Thai food, and cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles and the Michigan Wolverines.  Links from the episode: The Art of Asking Better QuestionsTask switchingQuestion hijack studySox the FoxEugene PetersonYeshivaGIVEAWAY! Win a copy of The Art of Asking Better Questions Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    35 min

  6. MAR 3

    Episode 73 - Embracing our Differences with Heather Avis

    Heather Avis is an accomplished speaker, podcaster, an author many times over, and a fierce advocate for families experiencing disability. Heather has helped thousands of people understand better how to value, learn from, and shout the worth of all people, with a specific focus on shifting the narrative of Down syndrome. She and her family of five live in Southern California, and it was my total joy to chat with and learn from her in this rich and honest conversation. For over a decade, Heather has led a movement, reimagining what it looks like when we embrace our differences. Heather is a highly sought-after speaker renowned for her expertise in inclusion, storytelling, advocacy, and shifting the narrative around Down syndrome. Her engaging, conversational speaking style, unique insights, and captivating presence have made her a beloved speaker nationwide. With a gift for weaving personal experiences into compelling narratives, Heather illuminates broader human stories that resonate deeply with audiences with one simple mission: create inclusive spaces where everyone belongs. Links from the episode: Heather’s WebsiteThe Lucky FewBaptism of JesusHope Heals CampGap’s Everyone Belongs Ad Campaign Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    45 min

  7. FEB 17

    Episode 72 - Creating a Life of Belonging with Britton and Maggie Buchanan

    Today we have the absolute delight of hearing from Britton and Maggie Buchanan. You might know Britton as the runner-up on season 14 of NBC's The Voice, which is a very fun fact that we certainly discuss. Maggie Buchanan is a writer and hometown girl and family business team member and just the person you want as a neighbor and constant coffee companion. Trust me. You’ll see. I loved talking with these two, and I’m absolutely certain they are the perfect addition of thoughtfulness and North Carolinian sunshine for your day.  Britton and Maggie Buchanan are a young, married couple who are building a home with wide open doors and plenty of windows to let the Light in. Their joined creativity and passion for story-telling drive their faith and their careers. Britton is a singer-songwriter who gained national attention as runner-up on Season 14 of NBC’s The Voice. Since then, he’s toured across the country, released music that has charted on iTunes and Billboard, and collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres. Maggie is a Bible teacher, speaker, and writer with a heart for helping people connect with Scripture in ways that feel honest, accessible, and life-giving. She holds a Master of Divinity, founded Gospel Girl to help women grow in their faith, and now works with her family while continuing to teach and write. Together, they hope their marriage, creativity, and everyday rhythms invite others to feel welcomed, seen, and reminded that they belong to God and to one another. Links from the episode: Britton’s Instagram Maggie’s Instagram Season 14 of The Voice Shoulders of Giant Quote Matthew 25 On earth as it is in heaven Sam Wells Eat Pray Love LA Cemetery with Cultural Events Joan Didion Joanie Mitchell Book recommendations: Slouching Toward Bethlehem The Correspondant Chinatown It’s A Wonderful Life Casablanca Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    52 min

  8. FEB 3

    Episode 71 - Writing Through Grief with Sean Dietrich

    Sean Dietrich, also known as Sean of the South, is my guest today, and you might pick up a little fangirling here and there because he’s just that kind of guy, okay? I can’t help it. I think so highly of him and of his extraordinary wife Jamie, and I’m just so excited for you to hear from him on writing, yes, but on so so many more things that matter deeply. Things like how writing works with grief, how he gets so much done (hint: it matters who you marry), and on how we all need each other, whether on our own familiar roads or on rural roads in Spain. Listen in, friends, to author, musician, and solid human being, Sean Dietrich. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, humorist, multi-instrumentalist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Reader's Digest, Garden and Gun, and his column appears weekly in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored eighteen books and over four thousand columns. He makes appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, his work has been featured on the Today Show, and he's a really nice guy. Check him out @seanofthesouth. Links from the episode: Sean’s Columns Sean’s Books Sean’s Music Sean’s Instagram Reels Straighten Up and Fly Right Song Story by Sean Over Yonder Downton Abbey El Camino de Santiago Sean’s Hate Mail Kinfolk GIVEAWAY! Win a copy of Over Yonder Sean's book recommendations: The Story of My Life Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KimberlyStuart.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more from this episode.

    48 min
See All (88)

Trailers

4.9
out of 5
102 Ratings

About

For Real with Kimberly Stuart invites listeners to eavesdrop on conversations with folks who live and love well, create beautiful things, teach us a ton, and let us in on what they know. Never one for successful small talk (JUNIOR HIGH WAS A STRUGGLE), Kim asks her guests to get right to it, mining stories of honesty and courage and finding plenty of snort-laughter and tears along the way. They tackle faith and grit and joy and sorrow and leave us with hope and renewed perspective to walk the stretch of road that's ours alone. For more on Kim and her books, visit KimberlyStuart.com

Information

You Might Also Like