The SavvyCast

Jamie Tarence

The SavvyCast is a podcast of the Family Savvy blog, where Jamie Tarence will host savvy guests to discuss real life topics that affect us all. Food and family. Marriage and divorce. Fitness and health. The Enneagram and relationships. Each episode is designed to entertain, educate and inspire all who listen. Everyone is welcome at the table! So grab a cup of coffee, and let's talk.

  1. 2D AGO

    Am I Becoming a Catholic? My Faith Journey Update

    A year ago, I shared publicly that my husband had converted to Catholicism and opened up about what it looked like for us to navigate faith differences within our marriage and family. Since then, so many of you have asked where I stand today. In this episode, I'm sharing an honest update on my faith journey, including what aspects of Catholicism have resonated with me, what questions I still wrestle with, and how these conversations have impacted my marriage, family relationships, and friendships along the way.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: I share an honest update on my faith journey How conversations about faith in our marriage and family have changed over time The parts of Catholicism that have resonated with me The specific aspects of Catholicism that still make me pause How my Church of Christ and evangelical background shaped my perspective My thoughts on my husband, daughter, and son-in-law becoming Catholic Why some of these deeper conversations feel harder with immediate family One of my biggest fears during this process (and how people actually responded) How respect, listening, and grace have become so important in our family The main thing still holding me back from becoming Catholic    LINKS & RESOURCES To Whom Shall I Go? by Ellie Hiller Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller's Faith Journey Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube She Tried to Convert Catholics, Then Became One: Ellie Hiller's Faith Journey Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube From Bookstore Owner to Author: Annie B. Jones on Owning The Bookshelf & Her New Book Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube A Peak Inside the Head of an Enneagram 8 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!

    30 min
  2. MAY 15

    From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller's Faith Journey

    In this week's episode, I sit down with my son-in-law, Sean Hiller, to hear the powerful story of how he went from being an atheist for nearly a decade to eventually becoming a Christian and later converting to Catholicism. Sean also runs a YouTube channel where he shares content and discussions centered around Catholic beliefs applied to real-world topics. Sean opens up about the questions and experiences that challenged his worldview, including the role my daughter Ellie and my husband Zane played in his faith journey. We also dive into deep conversations surrounding the Eucharist, predestination vs. free will, Catholicism vs. Orthodoxy, and whether God is truly indifferent to what we believe.    WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Sean's testimony of going from Southern Baptist to atheist Why Sean drifted away from Christianity as a teenager The question that challenged Sean's atheist worldview: "What is love?" How Ellie influenced Sean's perspective on faith and Christianity The Bible study Sean never wanted to attend How a debate about predestination vs. free will impacted him How Zane unexpectedly played a major role in Sean's Catholic journey The questions about Catholicism Sean couldn't answer Why the Eucharist completely changed Sean's perspective Why Sean chose Catholicism over Orthodoxy Sean's thoughts on visiting Rome and whether Catholics should go Whether Sean's entire family is Catholic today Sean weighs in on the question: "Is God indifferent to what you believe?"   LINKS & RESOURCES Sean's YouTube Channel (@LectiowithSeanHiller) To Whom Shall I Go? by Ellie Hiller Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz Reasons to Believe by Scott Hahn The Confessions of St. Augustine The Case for Jesus by Brant Pitre   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! She Tried to Convert Catholics, Then Became One: Ellie Hiller's Faith Journey Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube

    49 min
  3. MAY 8

    A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home

    In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind a big transition for our family and what led us to sell the farm and purchase our new lake home. I talk about why we wanted another place where our family could slow down, gather together, and create special memories with our grandchildren. Plus, I dive into what we were looking for in our next little getaway home.  I share how we ended up choosing a Saunders Bridge home, what the process has been like so far, and why we already love it so much. We just had our very first furniture installation last weekend, so it truly feels like this new chapter is starting to come to life!    WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why we made the decision to sell the farm What we were hoping to find in our next getaway home Why quality time with our grandchildren played such a big role in this decision How we discovered Saunders Bridge homes What stood out to us during the home-buying process Why this lake house immediately felt special to our family What we hope this home becomes for our children and grandchildren   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here's How to Tell Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube

    25 min
  4. MAY 1

    Botox, Fillers, Hair Growth, & Skin Texture: What a Dermatologist Really Recommends

    If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice around Botox, fillers, skincare treatments, and hair growth, you are not alone. I've had so many of these questions myself, which is why I'm so excited to sit down with my good friend and trusted dermatologist, Dr. Jo Lynne Herzog, for this conversation. We're cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what actually works (and what's not worth your time or money). From injectables like Botox, Dysport, and Daxify, to how we can maintain facial volume as we age, to achieving glowy skin and improving texture—we cover it all. My hope is that you walk away feeling more informed, more confident, and less pressured to chase every new trend!   WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE What we think every woman needs to know before getting fillers The only filler Dr. Jo feels confident using on her patients' temples How we lose facial volume over time (and why a facelift isn't the full solution) Why you shouldn't chase trending treatments or "fad" injectables How Dr. Jo thinks about achieving glowy, "glass" skin in midlife Tips for maintaining smooth, healthy skin texture How Dr. Jo and I met—and why I trust her approach The differences between Botox, Dysport, Daxify, and other neuromodulators Why Botox is safe (even though it's technically a toxin) Whether microneedling with PRP is worth the extra cost What to do about crepey skin Dr. Jo's honest thoughts on peptides Why too much biotin is not a good thing Hair growth solutions, including oral minoxidil Whether permanent hair removal actually exists   LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Dr. Jo Lynne Herzog at Elite Skin Nutrafol Women's Hair Growth Supplements - Vegan Sunbetter SHEER SPF 56 Mineral Sunscreen Stick   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!   ENJOYED THIS EPSIODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Considering a Facelift? 10 Things to Think About Before You Say Yes Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube   Which Beauty & Skincare Treatments Actually Make a Difference (Botox, Sculptra, Microneedling, & More) Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube

    43 min
  5. APR 24

    Modern Grandmother Advice: The Sweetest (and Most Challenging) Parts of this Role

    In this episode, I'm sharing my heart behind stepping into this new season of becoming a grandmother. I chat about the joys of being "Savvy" to my grandbabies, and the modern grandmother advice I'd pass along to any new grandmother. From the deep joy and delight to the unexpected fears and boundaries, I open up about what it really looks like to step into this new role. From the sweetest moments to the more challenging ones, I hope this grandmother advice encourages you, wherever you are in your journey.    WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: My experience in becoming a grandmother The anxiety and responsibility that can come with caring for your grandbaby Learning to step back and respect how your children choose to parent Why defining your role before the baby arrives can make all the difference Navigating differences in faith and family traditions with grace Simple, joy-filled traditions I am building with my grand-girls (like Friday night dance parties to 80s music) The heart behind creating a family vacation home for lasting memories   LINKS & RESOURCES The Grand Hotel   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here's How to Tell Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube   38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube

    31 min
  6. APR 17

    38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently)

    After 38 years of marriage, my husband Zane and I wanted to sit down and have a truly honest conversation about what this journey has looked like for us—the good, the hard, and everything in between. We're sharing what we believe we got right, where we missed the mark, and what we would do differently if we could start over. Also, we talk about some of the foundational ideas that shaped our marriage and why we've come to view marriage more like a business. This episode is full of the long term marriage advice we wish we had when we were just starting out. Whether you're single, newly married, or years into your relationship, our hope is that this gives you practical insight and encouragement for the long haul.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Our best long term marriage advice for those who want to be married someday The meaning behind "The Chair" and how it represents our marriage Why we believe you should treat your marriage like a business An honest look at what we got wrong (and what we got right) The values we were looking for when we were dating How we figured out our roles within our marriage over time Why self-awareness and clearly communicating your needs is critical What actually makes husbands love their wives more as the years go on What our marriage looks like in this current season of life The long term marriage advice we'd give ourselves if we were starting over today The story behind why we made the decision to sell our farm   LINKS & RESOURCES Relationship Expert: How to Find a Great Partner (and Avoid Divorce) | Lila Rose Show Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube The Chair and How to Ask the Marriage | The SavvyCast episode with Jamie & Zane Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Listen to the Marriage: A Novel by John Jay Osborn on Amazon   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here's How to Tell Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube Jamie & Zane: Impactful Quotes We Love & Live By Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube

    57 min
  7. APR 10

    Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here's How to Tell

    In this episode, Zane and I chat about expectations in marriage: what's healthy, what's unrealistic, and how to tell the difference. In fact, this conversation came out of a session we recently had with our young marrieds small group, and it prompted us to reflect on our own 38 years of marriage.  We talk through the areas where expectations can easily create tension—like communication, household roles, and finances—and share six practical questions you can use to evaluate whether your expectations are realistic or ridiculous.  Through honest conversation and real-life examples, our hope is to help you identify what may be causing frustration and move toward a more grace-filled, realistic approach to your marriage. 6 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO EVALUATE YOUR MARRIAGE EXPECTATIONS: Would this expectation reasonably apply to most healthy adults, or does it require a unique skill set, luck, or a specific personality? Is this something my spouse can fully control? Is this expectation sustainable over time? Am I consistently offering what I expect from my spouse? How often does this expectation lead to disappointment and resentment in me? Where is this expectation coming from within me?   WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!   ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Zane's Marriage Advice for Newlywed Men (that Every Couple Should Hear): Part 1 Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube Jamie & Zane: Impactful Quotes We Love & Live By Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Watch on YouTube

    40 min
4.8
out of 5
131 Ratings

About

The SavvyCast is a podcast of the Family Savvy blog, where Jamie Tarence will host savvy guests to discuss real life topics that affect us all. Food and family. Marriage and divorce. Fitness and health. The Enneagram and relationships. Each episode is designed to entertain, educate and inspire all who listen. Everyone is welcome at the table! So grab a cup of coffee, and let's talk.

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