"Bakers can commit their entire lives to learning the craft of bread and still find new nuances of flavor and texture every time they bake. This simultaneous simplicity and complexity is, in many ways, much like the life of faith."
-Kendall Vanderslice

This episode delves into the powerful connections between mothering, baking, and spirituality, offering the invitation to explore how the kitchen can become a sacred space. Janell welcomes Kendall Vanderslice, author of Bake and Pray: Liturgies and Recipes for Baking Bread as a Spiritual Practice, to discuss the essential practices of nurturing ourselves and our relationships through baking and prayer. Vanderslice emphasizes the importance of taking time to slow down and engage with the process and urges the rediscovery of rest and community.

Order Kendall's new book, Bake and Pray
Join Kendall's Lenten Bake, Register Here. I am so ready to begin the sourdough journey.

Explore some of my favorite bakeries:

Resistance in Carrasco, Uruguay
Nives in Antwerp, Belgium
LaBrioche in Norfolk, Virginia

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

“There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation" (James Faust).

What started as a book project became the podcast's focus in 2025. In today's episode, I share why mothering matters. Together, we uncover the foundational role that maternal figures play in shaping a child's life, weaving personal milestones with professional wisdom to highlight the deep connection between mothering and personal growth.

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

*Our final episode from the archives of 2018! As we begin our year-long journey about "Mothering for the Ages." Today, we open a conversation about the third heartbeat of our heartlifting journey toward being an emotionally healthy mama: strong communication skills.

The past three episodes from 2018 were from the first phase of this podcast's history: Speak Healing Words. The intro and outro are slightly different, but the connection is the same: www.janellrardon.com.

It might sound like we're putting tremendous pressure on "mama." But, I genuinely believe that when an emotionally healthy woman is at the center of a home, family, business, classroom, etc., everyone in that sphere of influence will feel safe, secure, and ultimately far more stable. Before you go shaming or judging yourself, Mama, listen in and understand how valuable you are to your family. In the Heartlift Community, we offer self-compassion and grace as we strive to be imperfectly perfect in our mothering.

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International