Permission Slips

Jillian DeBritz

Welcome to Permission Slips, a space for you to practice paying compassionate attention to your life in order to experience the wholeness, purpose, and joy you’re made for. I’m Jillian DeBritz, a life and leadership coach—and recovering perfectionist—who is learning with you how to give myself permission to be human. These conversations are meant to spark curiosity about where in your own life you might need permission to be a little kinder to yourself, so you can embrace more of who you’re made to be in a world that desperately needs you to show up as only you can. As we journey together through content related to identity, purpose, and pursuing greater health and wholeness, I hope these episodes will leave you feeling a little braver and a little less alone. Because, after all, we’re not meant to navigate the world by ourselves—we need one another. Our conversations will cover topics like: building self-compassion and gentleness as tools to combat shame; examining faith through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology; honoring the connection between our emotions, bodies, and spiritual lives; learning to cultivate courage through vulnerability; exploring the kindness and compassion of God; discovering the unique design and God-given purpose we each carry; and building awareness about our current reality so we can move toward our ideal future. We'll lean on the powerful work of people like Curt Thompson, MD, Aundi Kolber, Brené Brown, Dane Ortlund, and others who offer insights and resources to guide us along the journey toward wholeness. Let’s get curious, practice vulnerability, and learn to be gentle with ourselves as explore how to move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and courage. I’m so glad you’re here.

  1. JAN 23

    27: Discover Your Calling—and Your True Identity // Araya Williams

    This conversation with my friend—and the founder and visionary of Sonshine Interpreting—Araya Williams, came at just the right time for me personally.  We talk about calling, identity, and taking brave steps even when you don't know how it's going to work out. Araya shares how her work with the Deaf community and the creation of Sunshine Interpreting grew out of paying attention to what moved her heart and what she couldn’t shake. Again and again, we come back to the courage it takes to listen—to God, to ourselves, and to the quieter invitations in our lives. We also name the hard reality of what's required to walk in your calling, including self-doubt, shame, and the internal voices that tell us we’re behind or not enough. This conversation felt like a gentle reminder that our worth isn’t something we earn through productivity or success, and that clarity often comes slowly. If you’re holding questions about purpose, feeling tender around your identity, or needing permission to be honest about your struggle, I hope this episode feels like an exhale—and an invitation to listen to the One who wants to tell you who you really are. A few things we talk about: Why self-compassion matters more than we thinkHow paying attention to what moves us can point us toward purposeThe courage it takes to follow a calling without guaranteesNaming the voices of shame and self-doubt (and not letting them lead)What it looks like to listen for God’s voice in real lifeWhy our worth was never meant to be measured by productivityLetting ourselves be seen—and why that can be healingLiving with more freedom by accepting who we are  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Living Fearless by Jamie Winship - https://a.co/d/ekDyKzxSonshine Interpreting - https://sonshineinterpreting.com/ or connect on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sonshineterpsChristian Interpreters Conference - https://www.christianinterpretersconference.org/Learn about coaching - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/    * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    39 min
  2. JAN 7

    26: What Worked & What Didn't in 2025

    "January is the new week between Christmas and the new year." —Emily P. Freeman Join me as I make space to reflect on 2025 by sharing my list of what worked and what didn't over the past year. I hope these honest, in-process thoughts give you permission to ask yourself the same questions, and in so doing, offer you clarity about how you want to move forward into 2026 with greater wholeness and courage.   Learn more about coaching - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/   Other resources from this episode: 20 // Delight, Unraveling, and the Stages of Faith // Susan Bouterse https://www.podcastics.com/episode/387596/link/ 21: How to Practice Being Known in a Confessional Community | Rachel Miller https://www.podcastics.com/episode/389719/link/ Center for Being Known (Confessional Communities) - https://www.thecbk.org/5: Rejecting Diet Culture & Body Shame | Rachel Kulcsarhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/352666/link/   * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    36 min
  3. 12/22/2025

    25: Friendship, Jealousy, & Cheerleading Others in Ministry // Lee Nienhuis & Katie M. Reid

    "As women in ministry, we need cheerleaders." —Lee Nienhuis I met Katie and Lee at a conference for writers and speakers, and we connected instantly. Something unique about their friendship struck me right away: There was not a lick of competition between the two of them—only genuine belief in one another and the work each was doing in the world. It overflowed to everyone they met (including me) like streams of encouragement, watering the parched writers and speakers around them so seeds of hope could grow. In this episode, Katie and Lee share about their friendship and the ways it has strengthened each of them in their individual callings. We talk about the jealousy that can crop up—even in ministry—and how to untangle ourselves from it, as well as the importance of having cheerleaders in our lives who will help us stay the course. Listen in as we discuss: The power of friends who believe in one another's callingsHow to navigate jealousy in friendship by remembering which team we're onChoosing collaboration and cheerleading instead of competition in ministryWhat it looks like to be a "ladder-holding leader" Finding our identity in Christ, rather than in the opportunities we're given (or not)When God's definition of good may differ from our expectations  CONNECT WITH LEE & KATIE: Katie M. Reid - https://www.katiemreid.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katie_m_reid/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KatieMReidWriterFREE INTRO LESSON (from God, What Do I Do?) - https://katiemreid.myflodesk.com/biblestudyfreebie1Link to Bible Study and more resources:  https://www.katiemreid.com/judges/  Lee Nienhuis - https://leenienhuis.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leenienhuis/Counter Cultural Parenting - https://leenienhuis.com/counter-cultural-parenting/Comparison Girl for Teens - https://leenienhuis.com/comparison-girl-for-teens/Brave Moms, Brave Kids - https://leenienhuis.com/brave-moms-brave-kids/  CONNECT WITH JILLIAN Coaching info - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/    * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    44 min
  4. 12/10/2025

    24: Honest Prayers for Low Seasons // Justin McRoberts

    "We enter into relationship—we enter into meaning—through the doorway of feeling, and specifically negative feelings. To eliminate those would be to eliminate...the sweetness of actual relationship." —Justin McRoberts, author, spiritual director, and creative consultant In this episode, author Justin McRoberts and I explore the complexities of human emotions, including the importance of embracing imperfection, the beauty of connecting with pain—both our own and others'—and the role of curiosity in our healing. Justin shares insights from his latest book, In the Low, reminding us that our seasons of darkness and depression are not evidence that we're broken, but an essential, beautiful part of being human. We talk about things like: Disappointing people so that you can become who you are meant to beEmbracing pain as a way to know ourselves—and connect with others—more deeplyWhy sitting with hard emotions takes practice How curiosity can help us learn from our emotionsReminders that our current situation is not our final destination; there is hope beyond the lowThe beauty of acquainting ourselves with our shortcomings and imperfections How there are depths of human relationships that we don't get to experience without painThe importance of inviting others to help learn about yourself (rather than fix you)Justin McRoberts is an author, coach, speaker, and songwriter. When he’s not writing, speaking, or coaching, you can find him as the host of the At Sea Podcast. He just released his 8th book (and the 3rd he’s written with Scot Erickson), In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons. He lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area, and he calls his mom every day.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons - https://a.co/d/h9t7RKn Connect with Justin: Coaching and more - https://www.justinmcroberts.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justinmcroberts/At Sea Podcast - https://www.justinmcroberts.com/podcast    * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    42 min
  5. 11/26/2025

    23: Laughter, Doodles, & the Kind Presence of God // Kelsey Jenney

    "It's not so much about falling in love with myself, but falling in love with who Jesus has made me to be and what that allows and invites to the world around me." -Kelsey Jenney Most of us don't walk around feeling like we're "the best of the best of the very, very best." But Kelsey Jenney reminds us that, according to the very words of the God of the universe, we are actually "tov meod"—very good! I don't know about you, but I just can't hear that enough. Listen to Kelsey's contagious joy as she shares about dressing up her SnuggleBears (a.k.a. her doodle doggies babies), Jesus' sense of humor, and the kind, welcoming presence of God in the middle of her ordinary little life. Our conversation covers topics like: Kelsey's annual Christmas photo shoot with her dogsWhy humor and laughter are necessary to really know JesusReminders that you are made very good—and you're allowed to take up spaceLearning to love who God has made you to beEmbracing our personhood over our position or professionHow to practice being present with God in our ordinary, daily momentsHow naming what is real allows for deeper connection with GodPermission to use all the exclamation points and get more dogs!!!!!Kelsey Jenney has served on staff with the mission of Young Life for 20 years in a variety of roles. She is also a certified Spiritual Director, a certified Enneagram Harmony Triad Practitioner, and holds a certification from the Transforming Center in Spiritual Formation.    * * * * *   CONNECT WITH KELSEY: Website: https://www.kelseyjenney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doodlediva/     * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    41 min
  6. 11/12/2025

    22: Coming Home to Yourself & to God // Chuck DeGroat

    “How do I get off of that wild roller coaster, that hamster wheel that I’m on…and find my way back to center, rooted and grounded in love?” -Chuck DeGroat, PhD, LPC We all know what it feels like to be running at a pace we can't sustain, where the demand on our bodies—or our souls—becomes too much. The constant adrenaline carries us through...until it runs out, and we shut down or numb out just to find some rest. But what if there was a different way to function? What if you could find a more compassionate way to live in your body—accessing resources that allow you to stay connected to yourself and to God, even when life gets hard? In this episode, author, therapist, and spiritual director Chuck DeGroat invites us to imagine the kind voice of God, calling to us with compassionate questions that invite us to come "home." He shares his journey of learning to retrain his brain and body, offers tools for supporting our nervous system, and illuminates the connection between our bodily intuitions and spiritual lives. Listen as we talk about things like:  The intersection of spirituality and mental healthUnderstanding the ways our nervous system responds to overwhelmPractices for returning to center, or "coming home"The connection between our bodies and spiritual livesConsidering God's questions in the garden as a framework for connectionThe roles of compassion and imagination as we encounter GodHow to offer a kind welcome to our thoughts, emotions, and embodied sensationsI hope this conversation will give you permission to look bravely and honestly within, believing that, as Chuck writes, "God's heart is always ready to help you find your way back home." Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he also serves as executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is an author, licensed therapist, church consultant, and spiritual director. He and his wife, Sara, have two daughters.   * * * * * CONNECT WITH CHUCK: Website - chuckdegroat.netSubstack - https://sitwithchuck.substack.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chuckdegroat/ or Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/chuck.degroatHealing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering by Chuck DeGroat  OTHER RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days by Aundi KolberInto the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin LairdThe Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri NouwenBreath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James NestorJesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Kenneth E. Bailey  * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    41 min
  7. 10/29/2025

    21: How to Practice Being Known in a Confessional Community // Rachel Miller

    “People aren’t to be fixed. That’s not why we’re there. We’re there to connect. We’re there to connect with people and with God.” -Rachel Miller Have you ever longed for deeper relationships? Are there parts of your story—or of yourself—that you keep from others because you don't know how they'll respond if you show up fully? Do you wonder if it's possible to truly experience the abundant life described by Jesus? This episode is for you. Join me as my friend, Rachel Miller, talks about her experience in a confessional community—an intentional group of people who are "practicing for heaven" by telling their stories more truly. We talk about what it's like to be fully known by others, and the ways we've both been transformed by the compassionate presence of people who help us see ourselves through their eyes. Listen to as we discuss things like: The terrifying vulnerability and healing power of sharing our stories with othersDescribing the confessional community model and the storytelling liturgyThe power of being present to our emotions, bodies, and one anotherPermission to ask, "Will you tell me again?" when we're struggling to believe what others see in usHow receiving compassion from our community helps us imagine the compassion of JesusInvitations to practice giving and receiving love—imperfectly—over and over again  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Join a Confessional Community through the Center for Being Known - thecbk.org/ccsBeing Known Podcast - Season 7: Confessional Communities Being Known Podcast - Season 11: Rupture and Repair The Soul of Desire by Curt Thompson, MD  * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    36 min
  8. 10/15/2025

    20 // Delight, Unraveling, and the Stages of Faith // Susan Bouterse

    “God wants to enlarge our terrain of freedom. He wants to bring us through so he can set us free.” -Susan Bouterse What if paying attention to our delight is part of how we notice God's invitation into a deeper journey with him? This conversation with Susan Bouterse will invite you to expand your imagination for how God might be at work in your life, wooing you and stirring your heart in ways that "expand your terrain of freedom." Listen to Susan's journey through an unexpected career transition (from pediatrics to ministry?!), and to insights about the stages of faith—including encouragement for anyone facing their own "unraveling" or dark night of the soul. We hope you'll get a taste of the kindness of God through this honest, vulnerable conversation about how we've each experienced his love in tangible, embodied ways. Susan Bouterse is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Anchor Church in Tacoma, Washington and the Executive Director of Anchor School of Discipleship & Ministry. She trained as a spiritual director through Soul Formation Academy and delights in seeing the One she loves reveal his love to another. Susan has a master’s degree in theological studies from Multnomah University. She is also an M.D. and practiced pediatrics for over 20 years before being called to ministry. Susan and her husband Phil have three grown children and enjoy the beauty and activities of the South Sound in the PNW.  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Anchor Church: https://anchortacoma.org/Anchor School: https://anchortacoma.org/anchorschoolPrevious episode - Soul Companionship for Your Spiritual Journey // Kari MirroSoul of Shame by Dr. Curt ThompsonEmotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter ScazzeroPracticing the Way by John Mark ComerThe Critical Journey by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich        * * *   STAY CONNECTED Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

    41 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to Permission Slips, a space for you to practice paying compassionate attention to your life in order to experience the wholeness, purpose, and joy you’re made for. I’m Jillian DeBritz, a life and leadership coach—and recovering perfectionist—who is learning with you how to give myself permission to be human. These conversations are meant to spark curiosity about where in your own life you might need permission to be a little kinder to yourself, so you can embrace more of who you’re made to be in a world that desperately needs you to show up as only you can. As we journey together through content related to identity, purpose, and pursuing greater health and wholeness, I hope these episodes will leave you feeling a little braver and a little less alone. Because, after all, we’re not meant to navigate the world by ourselves—we need one another. Our conversations will cover topics like: building self-compassion and gentleness as tools to combat shame; examining faith through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology; honoring the connection between our emotions, bodies, and spiritual lives; learning to cultivate courage through vulnerability; exploring the kindness and compassion of God; discovering the unique design and God-given purpose we each carry; and building awareness about our current reality so we can move toward our ideal future. We'll lean on the powerful work of people like Curt Thompson, MD, Aundi Kolber, Brené Brown, Dane Ortlund, and others who offer insights and resources to guide us along the journey toward wholeness. Let’s get curious, practice vulnerability, and learn to be gentle with ourselves as explore how to move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and courage. I’m so glad you’re here.

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