The Tried and Truth Podcast: Rethinking Success and Cultivating a Well-Led Life

Finding Creativity in the Middle of Real Life: The 'Create Anyway' Mindset with Ashlee Gadd

Do you ever wonder if the small creative things you do actually matter? Do you believe creativity is a luxury reserved for people with more time, more talent, or more perfect circumstances?
In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Gadd—author of Create Anyway and founder of Coffee and Crumbs—to talk about what it really means to create in the midst of real life. We dive into why your messy, ordinary days are actually the perfect place to start creating, how rest is an act of faith (not something you have to earn), and why going where the energy and "light" is matters more than forcing consistency.
Ashley shares honest, encouraging wisdom about pivoting when things aren't working, the freedom of making art without monetizing it, and how cheering for other creatives is the best antidote to comparison. If you've ever felt like your creative efforts are too small to matter, this conversation will remind you that your work is rippling out further than you'll ever know.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Why creativity isn't reserved for people with extra time, talent or perfect circumstances - it's reserved for "real life"
How your creative work reaches further than you'll ever know - an seemingly invisible ripple effect
Rest as a radical act of faith and surrender (not something you earn through productivity)
Giving yourself permission to pivot, change course, and let unfinished things be a gift!
The difference between being consistent with your quality vs. your quantity
Why you don't have to monetize your creativity
 How we're loved regardless of what we do or accomplish in this world 
How celebrating other creatives kills the comparison trap
Ashley's almost 10 year journey with Coffee and Crumbs and slowing down to honor the craft of writing
Guest Bio: Ashley Gadd is a mom, writer, photographer, and the author of Create Anyway. She's also the founder of Coffee and Crumbs, an online community celebrating the intersection of motherhood and creativity. 
Resources Mentioned:
Create Anyway by Ashley Gadd
Coffee and Crumbs: coffeeandcrumbs.com
You're in Good Company:The Gift of Friendship, Motherhood and Showing Up (New book coming March 17, 2026)
Connect with Ashley: @coffeeandcrumbs @ashleegadd
6 Encouraging Takeaways:
You ARE creative—and you don't have to monetize it to make it valid.
Your creative work reaches further than you'll ever know.
Rest isn't something you earn—it's a gift and an act of faith.
Unfinished things can be a gift, too. 
You are loved regardless of anything you accomplish. 
Throw "glitter" on the people around you—cheer loudly for other creatives by sharing, celebrating, and lifting up their work. The more generously you celebrate others, the less you'll struggle with comparison and more likely you'll leave a creative legacy—being the person or platform that lifted up others.
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Leave a review and help these encouraging conversations reach more people. Lastly, come follow along on Instagram @annicafischer

Turning 40: The Happiness Curve and Lessons I’m Carrying Forward

What if the statistical "low point" of your life is actually the perfect place to pause, reframe, and choose what you're carrying into the next season?
In this vulnerable and encouraging episode, I'm turning 40 (literally, today!) —and according to research on the "happiness curve," I'm entering the “nadir”, the absolute lowest point of the human contentment on the curve. But instead of spiraling into a midlife crisis, I'm choosing to see this moment differently.
This isn't about arriving at some perfect destination. It's about standing at the crossroads, catching my breath, and deciding which bags I'm ready to keep carrying and which ones I'm finally leaving on the side of the road.
What You'll Discover:
Why the "low point" of the happiness curve is actually an invitation to reframe your expectations and cultivate an expectant heart
The difference between balance (a myth) and practical balance (a dance)
How to find meaning in life's interruptions—ex: why my gluten allergy became one of my greatest gifts 
The power of being a beginner, creating more than you consume, and pausing before reacting
Why "directionally correct" matters more than distance traveled
>What I'm Carrying Into This Decade<
Be a cheerleader
Create more than you consume
Presence over perfection AND productivity
Practice the power of the pause
Build boundaries, not walls
Limitations are actually a gift
Movement as a sustainable lifestyle, not a rigid program
Invest in your marriage and friendships through the seasons
Be where you are—and don't rush this season
If you're feeling like you're at a low point, hear this: Your expectant heart can be higher than ever, even when your expectations for perfection are low. This chaotic, hopeful mess? It's exactly where you're supposed to be.
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Leave a review and help these encouraging conversations reach more people. Lastly, come follow along on Instagram @annicafischer

Stop Searching for Yourself: Why Knowing Who God Is Changes Everything w/ Alena Franklin

This week, we sit down with a voice for the next generation, Alena Franklin, to explore how understanding who God is transforms the way we see ourselves, our pain, and our purpose.
You may recognize Alena from her breakout role in the film War Room, but her story goes far deeper. At just 14 years old, Alena experienced the sudden and tragic loss of her mother—a loss that shook her faith to its core and sent her on a profound journey of grief, identity, and rediscovering God's character.
Now, through her new devotional book "God Is: 60 Days to Learning Who God Is to Better Understand Who We Are," Alena is pouring wisdom into teen girls and women, offering a refreshing shift from inward searching to upward anchoring.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
 -Why understanding God's character is the foundation for identity – Instead of endlessly asking "Who am I?", discover the power of asking "Who is God?"
-How to hold both pain and promise – Alena shares how grief and joy can coexist, and how God pursued her through her darkest season
-The simplicity of the gospel – Why we overcomplicate faith and how to return to the simple truths: love God, love people
-Practical ways to anchor in God's attributes
-Alena's beautiful definition of success: peace and stillness of mind in the midst of chaos
Quotes: 
 "If we would just look up, all of what's happening inside is actually so minuscule in comparison to who God is."
"God literally just tells us: love Him, love people. We add 90 million things to that list."
"Success to me is peace—a stillness of mind in the midst of whatever God is having me do."
Resources Mentioned:
"God Is: 60 Days to Learning Who God Is to Better Understand Who We Are" by Alena Franklin 
Film: War Room
Follow Alena on Instagram: @alenafranklin
*Connect with the Tried and Truth Podcast*
-Share this episode with a friend who needs it! 
-If you enjoyed this episode, check out this episode with Amber Smith on Finding Light in Your Darkest Moments: A Story of Faith, Loss, and Unexpected Strength
-Leave a review to help others find these conversations. 
-Connect with Annica on Instagram @annicafischer 

Why Cultural Pressure Makes the Good Life Hard — and Habits That Help You Resist w/ Elizabeth Woodson

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Woodson for a conversation that feels equal parts relatable and grounding. From Amazon packages and Taco Tuesday to impulse Google searches and one-click fixes, we talk honestly about how modern habits are quietly shaping the way we seek peace, control, and comfort.
In a culture where it’s easier than ever to consume, optimize, or escape discomfort, Elizabeth invites us to pause and ask better questions. Together, we explore why peace isn’t something we can purchase or force into place, what it looks like to resist cultural pressure, and how our everyday habits reveal what’s forming us.
We also talk about the pursuit of the “good life,” the reality of suffering, and the small but meaningful ways we can return to rhythms that lead to intention, trust, and steadiness.
This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice what’s shaping you, and consider how simple shifts can move you toward a more rooted and peaceful way of living.
Take a listen — you might just laugh a little, relate a lot, and walk away encouraged.Resources Mentioned: The Woodson Institute
Follow Elizabeth Woodson on Instagram @elizabethwoodson
Book: Habits of Resistance 
Podcast: The Starting Place Podcast 

How to Stop Living in Constant Overwhelm: Tara Sun on Boundaries, Rest, and Reclaiming Peace

Feeling overbooked, overstimulated, overwhelmed or stretched too thin—but still trying to “do it all” for everyone? In this episode, author and podcaster Tara Sun joins us again to talk about what happens when busy living starts crowding out abundant living — and how to reclaim rest, boundaries, and presence without guilt.
Tara shares her personal journey through burnout, motherhood, and rebuilding rhythms that prioritize the important. Whether you’re struggling with overwhelm, phone distractions, or decision fatigue, this episode is full of practical encouragement and tools you can apply immediately to create space, presence, and peace in everyday life.
Key takeaways: 
The abundant life isn’t a packed schedule
Boundaries can be faithful, not selfish, and protect your best “yes”
Rest isn’t something you earn—it’s something you practice
Overstimulation often requires removing inputs, not adding more “tools”
Phone habits (especially) shape your inner pace; physical separation can be a game changer
Simplifying your day to a few true priorities reduces pressure and increases presence
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Overbooked and Overwhelmed: How to Keep Up With God When You’re Just Trying to Keep Up With Life (also read by author on audiobook)
Full Focus Planner
Brick - Phone App Help
The Gift of Limitations by Sarah Haggerty 
CONNECT WITH TARA SUN:
Instagram: @misstarasun
Podcast: Truth Talks with Tara
If you're new here, welcome! If you enjoyed this conversation, would love for you to share it with a friend or take a few quick seconds to leave a review. Then, come follow along on Instagram @annicafischer.com. 

How to Find Unshakeable Faith in an Unsteady World: Someone to Believe In w/ Courtney Reissig

What do you do when doubt feels louder than faith? In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, where change is the only constant, how do we find something solid to hold onto?
In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Reissig—author, Bible teacher, high school educator, and mom of four boys—to talk about her book Someone to Believe In and why the Gospel of John matters more than ever. Courtney brings a unique perspective as both a scholar and a mom in the trenches. Whether you’re wrestling with your own questions, parenting kids through doubt, or searching for contentment, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and hope.
Key Takeaways:
Questions aren’t a sign of weak faith. Doubts are invitations to go deeper—Jesus meets you there.
Success is faithfulness, not applause. The unseen work matters.
You were made for more than comfort. There is someone worth believing in yesterday, today, tomorrow (and forever).
Resources Mentioned:
Someone to Believe In by Courtney Reissig
Instagram @courtneyreissig
If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review—it helps others find these conversations. And if you know someone wrestling with doubt or navigating a hard season, share this episode. It might be exactly what they need today.  Then, come follow along on instagram @annicafischer. 

Raising Boys to Be Men: How to Stop Passivity, Build Courage, and Raise Sons Who Lead with Purpose

What does it take to raise boys who grow into men of courage, character, and purpose in a world that breeds passivity and isolation? In this episode, J. Josh Smith shares practical wisdom from his new book The Man for the Day, revealing how to fight passivity, cultivate virtue, and help young men discover their God-given purpose—starting today.
Whether you’re raising sons or mentoring young men this conversation will challenge you to rethink biblical manhood and give you actionable steps to make a lasting impact.
We discuss:
The two biggest enemies of modern manhood - isolation and passivity
Direction over distance: a new definition of success
The gap in the formation of this next generation
How to identify and address passivity in your son's life 
Practical wisdom for parents navigating a generation shaped by instant gratification, isolation, and digital passivity
Small daily decisions and how they'll shape the men they’ll become
How boys don't need any more shame — how hopeful, clear guidance shapes men more than criticism ever will
The critical conversations about manhood that most boys aren't getting
The starter pack every young man needs
 
ABOUT JOSH SMITH:Josh Smith is the pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia, and father to five children (four daughters and one son). For 20 years, he has been passionate about investing in men and helping them become who God has called them to be. He is the author of The Titus Ten: Foundations for Godly Manhood and its student edition, as well as the new release The Man for the Day: Answering the Call to Godly Manhood
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Man for the Day by J. Josh Smith (Available January 2025)
The Titus 10 by J. Josh Smith (Student Edition now available)
If you're new here, welcome! Please take a few, quick seconds to leave a review, subscribe and follow along on Instagram @annicafischer. 

Amber Smith on Finding Light in Your Darkest Moments: A Story of Faith, Loss, and Unexpected Strength

What do you do when your worst nightmare becomes reality? When Amber Smith's three-year-old son River drowned in a tragic accident, her world shattered in an instant. But on the bathroom floor—in her darkest moments of grief—she discovered a faith that would transform her pain into purpose.
In this raw and powerful conversation, Amber shares her journey from worldly happiness to deep spiritual transformation, revealing how she and her husband Granger Smith (country music artist) chose to fight for their marriage when statistics said they wouldn't make it. She opens up about the "beacons in the breaking"—small glimpses of light that appeared even in the hospital—and how studying Scripture became the anchor that held her together.
If you're walking through grief, questioning God's goodness, or wondering if you'll ever smile again, this episode offers hope. Amber's story is evidence that the worst thing to happen to you doesn't have to be the end of your story.
Resources Mentioned:
Book: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Smith
Book: Like a River by Granger Smith
The River Kelly Fund (riverkellyfund.org)
Amber's Podcast - Arise with Amber 
I Am Second video featuring Amber and Granger's story
Bible Project on YouTube/Podcast
Follow Amber on Instagram @amberemilysmith
If you're new to the podcast, glad you're here. Please leave a review and let me know what you think! Hope this conversation encouraged you - don't forget to share this conversation with someone who needs it today. 

4 Steps to Rewire Your Brain for Joy: Breaking Free from Blame, Shame, and Control with Nicole Zasowski

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to stop spiraling in control, comparison, and “what if” thinking—and start gently rewiring your brain for real, lasting joy.
I’m so excited to welcome back Nicole Zasowski, marriage and family therapist and author, Nicole blends neuroscience, emotional health, and faith in a way that helps women release anxiety, perfectionism, and the pressure to hold everything together—so they can build healthier relationships, experience emotional wholeness, and live with more freedom and joy.
Here’s the freeing truth she shares: if you’re stuck in blame, shame, control, or escape, it doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your brain is doing what it learned to do to keep you safe. Anxiety, control, and comparison aren’t personal failures—they’re your brain’s default wiring—and you can change it.
Nicole walks us through her 4-Step Framework:
Name what you’re feeling
Notice your default response: blame, shame, control, or escape
Claim the truth about that feeling
Choose a response that fosters connection, courage, and freedom
We also talk about how celebrating others’ wins—even when it’s hard—can unlock your own joy, why perfectionism and comparison steal happiness, and how joy can feel vulnerable when we’re used to protecting ourselves.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:
Stop spiraling in “what if” thinking
Release blame, shame, and control
Rewire your brain through small, intentional practices
Celebrate others without diminishing yourself
Build healthier, more honest relationships
Redefine success as congruence and courage, not perfection and balance. 
The heart of this conversation is simple: you don’t feel your way into change—you practice your way there. Practicing truth before you feel it isn’t pretending. It’s formation—and it’s how your brain actually changes.
Resources mentioned:
Nicole Zasowski books: Daring Joy, What if It's Wonderful?, From Lost to Found: Giving Up What You Think You Want for What Will Set You Free
Previous Tried & Truth Episode with Nicole: Releasing Fears and Finding the courage to Celebrate with Nicole Zasowski
Love this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear it or leave a review.
Follow me on Instagram @annicafischer for more insights, takeaways, and practical tips from some incredible guests. 

The Year of Less and Bravery of Opting Out with Cait Flanders

What if the secret to more joy, presence, and meaning is actually… less? In this episode, we sit down with Cait Flanders, author, writer, and experimenter, who shares her radical journey of not buying anything for a year, opting out of defaults and drinking for a season and the surprising lessons she learned along the way.
In This Episode:
[2:25] Why Cait decided to stop buying anything for a year—and what she was (and wasn’t) allowed to purchase
[7:01]The emotional rollercoaster of facing feelings without the usual distractions of shopping, drinking, or scrolling
How opting out of “more” led to deeper self-awareness, shifts in relationships, presence over possessions, and a new definition of success
[11:00] The real ups and downs of minimalism (the honest disclaimer) and why true change is harder (and more rewarding) than it looks on social media
Recognizing the invisible undercurrent of spending required just to "maintain" our identities.
[26:00]How letting go of old ideals and habits can open the door to new experiences, opportunities, and joy
The journey behind Cait’s books and writing -  “The Year of Less” and “Adventure in Opting Out” 
[31:05] Life as an Experiment: Moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset where every decision is just data for your next adventure.
[41:10] Takeaways from this conversation
--Favorite quotes from this conversation--
“I cried a lot. I had to feel my feelings because I could not numb out.”
“Spending became the thing I was reaching for next after quitting drinking.”
“Anytime you have a value shift, your relationships shift.”
“We have this grip on so many things…but as soon as we open this grip, we get to experience something new.”
“Did I enjoy the simple things today? Did I feel like myself today?”
“It is hard to change your life, you know? It can be incredibly isolating.”
“If you can find one person who loves you so much they’ll keep encouraging you, hold on dearly to that person.”
“Success is the ability to see what we already have and what’s all around us.”
Connect with Kate:
Substack: The Lighthouse
Instagram: @caitflanders
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