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

    From Meanie Mimi to Little Debbie: Sisters on Advice, Legacy & Loving Well

    🎙️ From Meanie Mimi to Little Debbie: Sisters on Advice, Legacy & Loving WellA heartfelt conversation with my biological sisters of The Sanity Closet. If you could sit down with your younger self, what would you say? In this special episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle is joined by five of her sisters for an honest, funny, and deeply moving conversation about what they'd tell their younger selves, and what they hope their own children remember about them. From surrender and anxiety to friendship, faith, and finding your worth in God alone, the sisters open up about the lessons that took years to learn and the ones they're still learning today. The conversation moves from tender to hilarious in a heartbeat (tumbleweed forts, sumo wrestling card games, and burnt bricks under a meteor shower all make an appearance), but underneath the laughter is a shared thread: every one of them wants to be remembered for loving well, showing up in the hard moments, and pointing their children back to Christ. This episode is a reminder that legacy isn't built in grand gestures. It's built in the everyday choices to surrender anxiety, to show affection out loud, to apologize when we get it wrong, and to keep choosing love even when we're touched out, tired, or overwhelmed. 💬 Key Takeaways: Anxiety rarely changes the outcome, cling to peace and surrenderFocus on being intentional with specific friendships instead of trying to be everyone's favorite. Kids remember how we show up for them more than what we sayNever be afraid to apologize to your kiddos, family members or friends.Small, consistent acts of love build a child's first understanding of God's loveLiving fearlessly means loving without fear, because there is no fear in love Resources Mentioned: The Sanity Closet Podcast (Debbie's podcast with the sisters)The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown"Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 About This Episode This episode features five of Michelle's sisters in a rare, unscripted conversation about faith, motherhood, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. For more sister conversations, check out The Sanity Closet, hosted by Michelle's sister Debbie. 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.

  2. Aug 31

    Standing in the Rain Without An Umbrella: Faith Through Scarcity & Suffering

    🎙️ Standing in the Rain Without an Umbrella: Faith Through Scarcity & SufferingA heartfelt conversation with Tammi McCarthy. What do you do when your life looks nothing like the plan you thought you were following? In this deeply honest episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with her longtime friend Tammi McCarthy, a Catholic speaker, blogger, and mom of five, for a conversation about walking through years of unexpected hardship after her husband's traumatic brain injury changed the course of their family's life. Tammi shares what it was like to shift from stay-at-home mom to breadwinner almost overnight, to watch her husband grieve who he used to be, and to learn, slowly and painfully, how to receive help instead of always giving it. Together, Michelle and Tammi talk honestly about scarcity, surrender, the false comfort of the prosperity gospel, and what it means to trust God one small step at a time instead of trying to see the whole path. This episode is a reminder that God is present even when the path looks nothing like what we expected, and that our wounds can become the very places we use to serve others. 💬 Key Takeaways: Learning to receive help is just as important as learning to give itScarcity and abundance are both seasons meant to teach us dependence on GodThe prosperity gospel doesn't match the model of Christ's own lifeAsking "Lord, what do you have for me today" can reshape how you meet each dayYour wounds can become the exact place someone else finds healingYou can't protect someone you love from their own testimony Resources Mentioned: Whispers of Love and Faith (Tammi's blog and speaking ministry)My Lord and My God: A personal journal - Journey written and created by Tammi McCarthyPhilippians 4:11 to 4:131 Corinthians 13 Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 About Tammi Tammi McCarthy is a Catholic speaker, blogger, and mother of five. She and her husband have spent the last several years navigating the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury, and Tammi now speaks and writes at Whispers of Love and Faith about surrender, service, and finding God in seasons that look nothing like the plan. 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.

  3. Aug 17

    Pretty Cups & Puddle Jumps: The Courage to Make Memories

    🎙️ Pretty Cups & Puddle Jumps: The Courage to Make MemoriesA solo reflection from Michelle. What if the bravest thing you do this week is dance in the rain? In this heartfelt solo episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle explores the quiet courage it takes to be intentional about making memories, with our kids, our spouses, our friends, and the people we love most. From dancing in the rain and jumping in mud puddles, to birthday crepes at 5am and special family traditions, Michelle shares the everyday and the elaborate ways her family has chosen connection over comfort for decades. Turning 50 this year, Michelle reflects on a surprise week her daughters planned in her honor, and what it taught her about the lasting power of being seen and being loved. This episode is an invitation to step outside your comfort zone: to get a little muddy, a little cold, a little inconvenienced, for the sake of a memory that will last a lifetime. 💬 Key Takeaways: Making memories requires vulnerability and courage, not just timeSmall, everyday moments can become lasting memoriesSaying yes to something because it matters to someone else is its own act of loveTaking pictures helps memories stay alive for years to comeAs kids grow and leave home, memory-making has to be reimagined, not abandonedPouring into friendships deserves the same intentionality as parentingLiving fearlessly often looks like stepping outside your own comfort for someone you love Resources Mentioned: Passport to Purity (parent and child weekend program) 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.

  4. Aug 3

    Crown of Creation: The Lie of Pornography & the Truth of Your Worth

    🎙️ Crown of Creation: The Lie of Pornography & the Truth of Your WorthA heartfelt conversation with Mary Lenaburg. Some conversations are difficult, but they're also the ones that have the power to change lives. In this deeply honest episode, Michelle sits down with author and speaker Mary Lenaburg for a conversation about pornography, sexual brokenness, addiction, shame, and the healing power of Christ. Whether you've personally struggled with pornography, are walking beside someone who has, or simply carry hidden shame from your past, this episode is a reminder that your story is never over. Mary vulnerably shares her own journey through addiction within her marriage, the long road toward healing, and the practical steps that helped bring lasting freedom. Together, Michelle and Mary discuss how trauma, loneliness, self worth, and fear often lie beneath our deepest struggles, and why bringing them into the light is the beginning of healing. Most importantly, they remind us of this truth: You are not your addiction. You are not your shame. You are a beloved daughter of God. Freedom rarely happens overnight, but every step toward Christ is a step toward healing. If this conversation encourages you, consider sharing it with someone who may need the reminder that hope is never out of reach. 💬 Key Takeaways: Pornography addiction affects women and marriages, not just men Love seeks the good of the other; lust seeks to use Shame convinces us we're damaged goods, and that's a lie Healing requires community: counseling, spiritual direction, and accountability Kids need honest, age appropriate conversations about pornography, not shame Your worth was never tied to your body, your past, or your struggle Silence and prayer are where real healing begins It takes practice and grace to walk from shame into freedom God's mercy meets us every time we fall and get back up Living fearlessly means naming the hard thing and doing it anyway Resources Mentioned: Integrity Restored (help for pornography addiction) Be Brave in the Scared by Mary LenaburgBe Bold in the Broken by Mary LenaburgRestored and Resilient by Mary Lenaburg (coming to August 2026) The Mary and Jerry Podcast Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 About Mary Mary Lenaburg is a devoted wife of 38 years, mother of two, and grandmother of two. She is the author of three books: the award-winning Be Brave in the Scared, Be Bold in the Broken, and her forthcoming release from Ascension Press, coming August 2026. Her writing has also appeared in newspapers, magazines and seven additional books. An acclaimed international speaker, Mary leads retreats and delivers keynotes at major conferences, and co-hosts The Mary and Jerry Podcast with her husband, exploring faith, family, and marriage. Known for tackling hard topics with passion and humor, she helps her listeners feel seen, known, and loved by God. She lives by her father's words: "Never quit, never give up, never lose your faith. God chose this time and place just for you, so make the most of it." The Anima Christi PrayerSoul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from thee. From the malicious enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me and bid me come unto thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for ever and ever. Amen. 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. Jul 20

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

Ratings & Reviews

About

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.