"Hopeful-ish" with Scarlet Hiltibidal - Finding Joy When Modern Comforts Fall Short

What does it look like to hold onto hope even if it feels “hopeful-ish”? 

In this honest and encouraging conversation, Annica sits down with author Scarlet Hiltibidal to talk about her latest book, Hopeful-ish - the kind of hope that wrestles with grief, disappointment, weariness, and unanswered questions, yet still choose to cling to faith. 

Scarlet opens up about the personal story behind her book: a season marked by loss, family tragedy, pregnancy after a decade, and walking alongside her mother through stage-four cancer. She shares what it truly means to live with hope when comfort fails, identity feels stripped away, and obedience feels costly.

This episode is for anyone navigating hard seasons, burnout, grief, or spiritual weariness, and wondering if real hope is possible. You’ll hear more about... 

• The story behind Scarlet’s book "Hopeful(ish)" and the reality of living with sadness and hope side by side
• How personal loss and unexpected blessings shaped her perspective
• The difference between comfort-seeking and true comfort and how modern self-care doesn’t always heal what’s hurting
• Why community, vulnerability, and choosing to show up matter
• Practical ways to hold onto hope and joy, even in the hardest seasons
• How obedience can unlock joy — even when it feels inconvenient
• Letting go of performance, productivity, and spiritual perfection.

 

Whether you’re feeling weary, searching for encouragement, or simply want to hear a story of faith in the trenches, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, and hope is possible, even it it feels “hopeful-ish”. 

You can follow Scarlet on Instagram @scarlethiltibidal or check out her latest (or other) books>>>

* Hopeful-ish: Sadness, Weariness, Donkey Attacks, More Sadness, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For

*Afraid of All the Things: Tornadoes, Cancer, Adoption, and Other Stuff you Need the Gospel For

*You're the Worst Person in the World: Why It's the Best News Ever that You Don't Have it Together, You Aren't Enough, and You Can't Fix It on Your Own

*He Numbered the Pores on My Face: Hottie Lists, Clogged Pores, Eating Disorders, and Freedom from It All