Uncommon Purpose

Mandy Cooley and Stephanie Porter
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Weekly Series

You are invited to come sit around our table for honest and vulnerable conversations with co-hosts Mandy and Stephanie. In Uncommon Purpose we explore how to live emotionally and relationally healthy lives through a Christian worldview.

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  1. S4.E1 | Where You Been? – A Summer of Family, Grief, and God’s Redemption

    Episode 1

    S4.E1 | Where You Been? – A Summer of Family, Grief, and God’s Redemption

    In this Season 4 kickoff, Mandy and Stephanie reunite after a long summer apart and invite listeners into an honest catch-up on life, loss, and laughter. From family bucket lists and barista daughters to RV trips, coffee rituals, and floods in Texas, the conversation moves easily between humor and depth. Both women share how the last few months have been marked by intentional family time, unexpected grief, physical healing, and renewed spiritual rhythms. They talk about what it means to be centered in Christ amid chaos, how our bodies carry unprocessed sorrow, and the importance of slowing down to notice both joy and redemption. It’s a tender reminder that God meets us right where we are—on porches, beaches, and backroads—holding both our laughter and our tears. Listen for: Stephanie’s “core-four” family summer, grief, and God’s redemptionMandy’s reflections on embodiment, grief triggers, and spiritual groundingReal talk about inflammation, clean coffee, and why our bodies rememberWhat it means to be centered—anchored in Jesus when life feels uprootedA reminder that presence, play, and prayer belong togetherScriptures & Themes Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.Matthew 11:28–29 – Rest for the weary.Philippians 4:7 – Peace that passes understanding.Themes: Embodied faith, centering in Christ, redemption, grief, intentional presence, joy and sorrow coexisting.Places & Stories Referenced Texas floods (July 2024) – community response, neighbor love, economic impactAsheville/North Carolina hurricane – resilience and recoverySouthwest Michigan (St. Joe & South Haven) – family RV trip and beach memoriesDisney World & Port Aransas family bucket list – joy and play as spiritual practiceResources to Link Echo Prayer App – Mandy’s prayer-list reminder toolThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (for embodied grief)Clean coffee recommendation: Kion Coffee (from their chiropractor’s tip)Family Framework at Northview Church (Adventure Race reference)Practices Mentioned Grounding pads & walking barefoot (“toes in grass”)Yoga and somatic breathwork (for emotional regulation, not spiritual blending)Silence, solitude, journaling, communion, and worship as personal disciplines“Family Friday” bucket-list tradition for intentional connection“Sacred play” — rediscovering fun as a spiritual resetListener Reflection Prompts Where have you been—emotionally, spiritually, physically—since summer?What grief might your body still be carrying?What practice (walks, worship, journaling) helps you feel centered in Christ?Where did you see God’s redemption in the middle of something hard?

    56 min
  2. S4.E2 | Harvest to Hope — Finding Purpose and Presence in the Holiday Season

    Episode 2

    S4.E2 | Harvest to Hope — Finding Purpose and Presence in the Holiday Season

    Mandy and Stephanie kick off Season 4 with contagious excitement (and matching outfits!) as they announce Harvest to Hope—a four-month journey through the holidays from fall to Christmas. Recorded in true Uncommon Purpose fashion—equal parts laughter, reflection, and depth—this conversation sets the tone for a season devoted to celebration, intentional living, and keeping Jesus at the center of it all. From pumpkin spice to Hallmark movies, the co-hosts talk honestly about what it means to stay present through the chaos of October to December. They name the tension between joy and exhaustion, resilience and rest, grief and gratitude, and remind listeners that every season can become sacred when we slow down and remember why we celebrate. Whether you love Christmas trees (plural!), red-truck décor, or late-night Hallmark binges, you’ll find warmth and purpose in this kickoff episode—and a gentle nudge to approach the coming months with hope, humor, and holy awareness. Video Audrey Mentioned at the Beginning of the Episode: IT'S TIME! Listen for: Why the co-hosts chose Harvest to Hope as their new themeHow to keep Jesus in the center of every celebrationHonest reflections on play, grief, resilience, and tirednessThe great Christmas-tree debate and Hallmark traditionsHow being present changes how we experience the season Scriptures & Themes Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all who are weary…” (rest & presence)Galatians 6:9 – Perseverance and harvestPsalm 46:10 – “Be still and know…” (centering in busy seasons)Themes: Presence, resilience, slowing down, purpose in celebration, joy + grief, spiritual rhythms, finding Jesus in every holidayTopics & Stories Why the team shifted from a “deep” planned season to this celebratory oneThe meaning behind Harvest to Hope — four months (Oct–Dec) of purpose-filled celebrationBalancing faith and fun: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent, and ChristmasHallmark movies, Christmas-tree traditions, and the true nativity timelineHonest talk about resilience and permission to rest“Sister Perry” (menopause humor and honesty) and being gentle with ourselvesThe rhythm of fall as a built-in invitation to slow down and reconnectMentions & Resources John Mark Comer’s “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” sermon referenceTherapy & Theology Podcast with Lisa TerKeurstDull’s Tree Farm and Dickens on Main in TexasOura Ring conversation on rest and resilience trackingReflection Prompts for Listeners What does it mean for you to be present this holiday season?Where do you feel weary or “tired of being resilient”?What rhythms help you slow down—Sabbath, journaling, walks, worship?How might you find Jesus in the middle of the ordinary—pumpkins, parties, or porch lights?Calls to Action Follow and engage on Instagram @uncommonpurposepodcast and Facebook.Comment your favorite fall-to-Christmas tradition or how you plan to stay present.Share this episode with a friend who needs a little hope heading into the holidays.

    37 min
  3. S4.E3 | Seasons of Harvest — Slowing Down, Naming the Fruit, and Trusting God in the Process

    Episode 3

    S4.E3 | Seasons of Harvest — Slowing Down, Naming the Fruit, and Trusting God in the Process

    Recording together (hello, Westfield Library!), Mandy and Stephanie explore harvest as more than crops—it’s a spiritual season where we pause, notice the fruit of faithful work, and practice gratitude. From chickens and cornfields to academic-calendar rhythms, they trace the whole cycle: prepare → plant → cultivate → prune → wait → harvest → rest. The conversation gets real about “enough,” active waiting, and how some harvests don’t look like we hoped—but God’s presence and faithfulness are still the truest reward. You’ll hear stories of ministry seasons taking flight, deployments that stretched dependence, and the long obedience behind “overnight” fruit. The episode lands with a gentle challenge: take a sacred pause to name your harvest and thank God—then celebrate. Listen for: The full rhythm of growth: prepare/plant/cultivate/prune/wait/harvest/restWhy “harvest” means embracing enough and practicing gratitudeReal-life examples of fruit in family, friendship, and ministryWhen the “harvest” isn’t what you expected—and where God meets youScripture referenced / alluded to Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good… at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”James 1:2–4 — “Consider it pure joy…,” perseverance maturing us (fits the “even if” harvest) John 15:1–5 (vine, pruning, fruit), Psalm 126:5–6 (sow in tears, reap with joy)Themes & frameworks to list The harvest cycle: prepare → plant → cultivate → prune → wait → harvest → restActive waiting vs. passivity (worship, journaling, communion, breathwork, presence)Sabbath prep (“get things done so you can not get things done”)Enough as a spiritual posture; gratitude as the close of every seasonPractical prompts Sacred Pause: Sit 5 minutes. Name 3 fruits from this season. Thank God for each.Relational Harvest: Text one friend/mentor and name the “fruit” you see in them.Presence Practice: One slow, intentional ritual (light a candle, pour-over coffee, or evening walk) to mark the shift from work to rest.Calls to action Share your harvest on Instagram: @uncommonpurposepodcast Subscribe/follow the show; leave a review with one “harvest” you’re celebrating.

    36 min
  4. S4.E4 | Loving Our Neighbors Without Losing Our Convictions

    Episode 4

    S4.E4 | Loving Our Neighbors Without Losing Our Convictions

    Mandy and Stephanie dive into one of the most debated topics in Christian circles: Halloween. Is it harmless fun or spiritual compromise? In this candid and grace-filled conversation, they unpack how believers can approach October 31 with both conviction and compassion. From childhood candy traditions to neighborly connections, they remind listeners that the night can become an opportunity to show up with light rather than hide from darkness. Mandy shares how living in the country made her miss trick-or-treat community life, while Stephanie describes how she sits curbside with full-size candy bars and open arms. Together they discuss discernment, boundaries, redemption, and why it’s “hard to hate up close.” The result is a thoughtful, sometimes funny, always Christ-centered dialogue about holiness, humility, and the art of neighboring—complete with pumpkin-shaped pizzas, banana Laffy Taffy, and one unforgettable “Great Pumpkin” confession. Listen for: How to be “in the world but not of it” on Halloween nightWhy holiness ≠ judgment and love ≠ compromiseRedemption and agency: bringing light into dark spacesThe difference between conviction, temptation, and condemnationScriptures & Themes Proverbs 6:16-19 – What God hates (pride, deceit, violence, stirring conflict)1 John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world.”Romans 12:2 – In the world, not of it.Themes: holiness vs. self-righteousness, redemptive theology, boundaries without judgment, neighbor love, discernment and agency, light over fearHot Topics & Stories Why both hosts choose to show up in love rather than withdraw in fear“Hu Bars” and healthy candy banter 😂The “Great Pumpkin” tradition (Mandy’s confession & repentance!)Banana Laffy Taffy and the return of neighbor kids with treats = a “harvest of joy”How to teach kids discernment without fearSalem trip reflections — what the witch trials teach us about fear, power, and the church’s treatment of womenResources & Mentions John Crist’s Halloween bit Christy McLelland – Jesus and Women studyJen Wilkin quote: “For them and for then first, then for us.”It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – family tradition favoritePractical Ideas for Listeners Neighboring Challenge: Sit outside on Oct 31 with light on and kindness ready.Discernment Exercise: Pray through what’s “good for us” vs. “judgment of others.”Reflection Prompt: Where am I called to bring light instead of withdrawing in fear?Family Tradition Idea: Share a meal or treat with neighbors before trick-or-treat.Calls to Action Follow @uncommonpurposepodcast on Instagram and Facebook for more faith + fun seasonal episodes.Share your Halloween tradition or neighbor story in the comments of our episode post.Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music so you don’t miss our upcoming Advent series!

    40 min
  5. s4.E5 | Planning for Presence: Purposeful Holiday Prep

    Episode 5

    s4.E5 | Planning for Presence: Purposeful Holiday Prep

    It’s officially Christmas preseason—and Mandy and Stephanie are diving in! From November 1st on, the holidays arrive fast, and this conversation helps listeners trade stress for sacred preparation. Together they unpack how to plan your home, heart, and calendar with intention—without losing sight of joy or Jesus. Stephanie shares her beloved “holiday planner” system (and her famous stocking traditions), while Mandy reflects on evolving family rhythms, new gift ideas, and holding space for both celebration and grief. They talk trees, playlists, budgeting, Advent, and the tension between being organized and being present. You’ll hear practical tips for planning gifts and gatherings, as well as encouragement for those entering the season feeling lonely or overwhelmed. Whether you’re an over-prepper, a spontaneous spirit, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you create a holiday that reflects your values—not your to-do list. Listen for: 🎄 Mandy’s take on the “Christmas preseason” 🎁 Stephanie’s system for stocking stuffers that mean something 🕯️ How to plan with presence and purpose 💡 Why values—not pressure—should shape your holiday ❤️ Encouragement for those feeling lonely or overextended 🎄 Practical Planning Topics Gift-Giving Framework: one thing you want, one thing you need, one thing to wear, one thing to read (and why their families are evolving that!)Holiday Planner: Stephanie’s early-season checklist (decor, menus, shopping, experiences)Holiday “Big Rocks” Principle: prioritizing what matters most before adding the extrasIntentional Advent Practice: how both hosts keep Jesus at the centerStocking Stuffers vs. Gifts: creating small, personal touches that feel meaningfulTraditions & Trees: how multi-tree households became a thing 😉Music & Atmosphere: swapping playlists, sharing favorite classics + modern mixes💡 Faith & Reflection Advent as a rhythm of spiritual preparationPlanning rest and Sabbath amid celebrationHow intentionality helps cultivate gratitude and joyInviting others in: reaching out to those who may feel lonely or disconnectedLiving “on purpose and for a purpose” through the holiday season🎁 Things to Include in Show Notes (Mentions) Mandy & Stephanie’s Holiday Playlists Stephanie’s: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ESUiIf67qzypkP6VQeWsu?si=o2t1HvXgSWazL22sf0zgzw&pi=-420hi46SPeoK Mandy’s: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qq0umg7ZExBmzmNGBgJFp?si=V7X2pwWpT6WDiljDJ5s1OQ

    40 min
  6. S4.E6 | The Hard in the Holidays — Finding Hope When the Season Hurts

    Episode 6

    S4.E6 | The Hard in the Holidays — Finding Hope When the Season Hurts

    The holidays aren’t merry for everyone—and that’s okay. In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode, Mandy and Stephanie talk honestly about the grief, loneliness, pressure, and expectations that surface between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From infertility and loss to fractured families and financial strain, they remind listeners that joy and sorrow can coexist. Through vulnerable storytelling, Scripture-rooted wisdom, and practical reflection, the hosts explore how to hold space for the beauty in the hard—without pretending everything is perfect. They unpack how to manage expectations, navigate grief, practice emotional maturity, and find comfort through honesty, vulnerability, and faith. This conversation is equal parts therapy and theology, offering compassion for anyone walking through a heavy season. Listen for: 💔 The myth of holiday perfection—and how to release it 🎄 Grieving loved ones while creating new traditions 🤍 The courage to have hard conversations with family 💬 Why clarity is kindness (and how to communicate expectations) 🕯️ Spiritual practices to settle your heart when the season feels heavy 🙏 Scriptures & Faith Anchors Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to Me, all who are weary…”Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart…”🧩 Practical Tips & Reflections Journal your “heart inventory” for the season—what feels heavy and what feels hopefulUse the Dwell App or Lectio 365 to play Scripture or guided prayer throughout your dayWhen disappointment rises, ask: What did I expect—and did I communicate it?Honor loved ones by telling stories, keeping one small tradition, or creating a new onePractice self-compassion: identify one thing that comforts your heart and make time for it💬 Mentions & Links for Show Notes Dwell App (Audio Bible)Lectio 365 App (Daily guided prayer)YouVersion Bible AppPrevious episode: Holiday Prepping & PlanningRelated reading: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero🪞 Reflection Prompts What expectations am I holding for this holiday—and which ones can I release?Who or what am I grieving this season?Where do I feel unseen or disconnected—and how can I name it before God?What is one practice that helps me feel grounded in hope?

    44 min
  7. S4.E7 | The Quiet Between — Finding Peace and Purpose Between Pumpkins and Poinsettias

    Episode 7

    S4.E7 | The Quiet Between — Finding Peace and Purpose Between Pumpkins and Poinsettias

    It’s that funny little space between pumpkins and poinsettias—when the candy’s gone, the turkey’s still frozen, and the first twinkle lights are starting to glow. In this warm and reflective episode, Mandy and Stephanie explore the in-between—those mid-November days where gratitude meets anticipation. They talk about the tension between peaceful preparation and holiday pressure, how to practice presence when life speeds up, and what it means to find contentment in the middle. The conversation moves from coffee cups and Christmas trees to deep reflections on trust, boundaries, and emotional health. Together, they remind listeners that the sacred often hides in the quiet spaces between. Listen for: ☕ Mandy’s reflections on preparation vs. planning 🎄 Stephanie’s take on gratitude, simplicity, and slowing down 🧘 The difference between anticipation and anxiety 💬 How to hold boundaries while believing the best in others 🕯️ Finding contentment and trust in life’s “in-betweens” 💭 Key Themes The In-Between Season: How to find peace and meaning between fall and ChristmasAnticipation vs. Anxiety: How excitement can shift when we rush instead of restGratitude and Enough: Learning that abundance isn’t about more—it’s about fulfilledBoundaries and Trust: Navigating complicated relationships during the holidaysEmbodied Peace: Paying attention to what your body is holding in stress and stillnessPresence as Preparation: How rest, coffee, and quiet mornings ready our hearts for joy🙏 Scriptures & Spiritual Anchors Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”Philippians 4:11–13 – Learning to be content in all circumstances.John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”Ephesians 3:20 – “Immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.”☕ Practical Practices Mentioned Morning Rituals: Walks, sunlight, coffee, silence, and Lectio 365 app for morning prayerRed Light Therapy: Slowing the body to signal calmGratitude Practice: Pausing daily to name three simple good things“Enough” Reflection: Asking what feels like too much, not enough, or just enoughBreathwork + Stillness: Releasing tension to make room for tendernessContentment Challenge: Find joy in needing less instead of acquiring more💡 Listener Reflection Prompts What does your in-between look like right now?Where is anticipation turning into anxiety?What rhythms help you begin your day with peace instead of rush?How might you practice trust—in God, in others, or in yourself—this season?What would “enough” look like for you this month?🪞 Mentioned Resources Lectio 365 App (daily prayer rhythms)Ephesians 3:20 reflection Mandy mentionedRed Light Therapy for grounding + calm mornings

    40 min
  8. S4.E8 | The Sacred Blend of Gratitude and Gravy: A Thanksgiving Conversation

    Episode 8

    S4.E8 | The Sacred Blend of Gratitude and Gravy: A Thanksgiving Conversation

    In this cozy Thanksgiving week episode of the Uncommon Purpose Podcast, hosts Mandy and Stephanie gather around the mic (and the imaginary table) to talk about the beauty and complexity of gratitude. From family dynamics and cultural traditions to pie debates and Black Friday chaos, the two friends invite listeners to slow down, savor the moment, and intentionally choose joy and gentleness this season. They share stories of Persian-American Thanksgiving traditions, grieving with gratitude, and how cultivating a thankful heart can transform even the hardest moments. This episode is filled with laughter, warmth, and reflection—a reminder that gratitude is not just a feeling but a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God. 🙏 Devotional Companion: “Lingering at the Table” Scripture: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” — Psalm 100:4 (NLT) Reflection: Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal—it’s a mindset. Between the noise of family chatter, the football game humming in the background, and the to-do list that never ends, it’s easy to miss the sacred in the ordinary. Mandy and Stephanie remind us that gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment—it’s a posture of the heart that changes how we experience both joy and ache. True thanksgiving happens when we pause long enough to name what we’re grateful for, linger in conversation, and notice God’s presence in the midst of it all. Practice: Before you sit down to eat, whisper one quiet thank-you to God for something only you and He know.Speak one word of blessing over someone at your table.Choose gentleness—with your words, your expectations, and yourself.Prayer: Lord, thank You for the people, memories, and even the imperfections that make this season beautiful. Help me linger longer at the table, love deeper in the tension, and see Your goodness woven through it all. Teach me to live a life that overflows with gratitude—not just in November, but every day. Amen.

    40 min
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About

You are invited to come sit around our table for honest and vulnerable conversations with co-hosts Mandy and Stephanie. In Uncommon Purpose we explore how to live emotionally and relationally healthy lives through a Christian worldview.

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  • Creator
    Mandy Cooley and Stephanie Porter
  • Episodes
    42
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UncommonPurpose 2024