The Tried and Truth Podcast with Annica Fischer | Your Weekly Refresh: Conversations, Lessons & Inspiration

The Offense Trap: Why We Get Stuck In It and How to Break Free with Alexandra Hoover

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that most people have felt but few of us know how to actually navigate: offense. The kind that comes from unmet expectations, painful conversations, broken trust, or even wounds we thought we’d already healed from. My guest, Alexandra Hoover—author, pastor, and Bible teacher—joins us for a powerful conversation around her new book, You Can Let Go, and what it really looks like to release offense and step into freedom.
In this episode, we talk about: 
What offense actually is and why it keeps us stuck
How unaddressed offense shapes our identity and relationships and where rejection, insecurity, and people-pleasing come into play.
The difference between healthy boundaries and building walls that keep us isolated
Practical steps to let go of offense
How offense can shape our identity and relationships if left unaddressed
The importance of vulnerability and honest self-reflection in the healing process
Key Quotes:
“We either get to be hurt people that hurt people, or healed people that heal people.”
“You do not have to stay stuck in your hurt. Healing may take time, but you don’t have to wait for an apology to move forward.”
Resources Mentioned:
Alexandra’s free devotional: 7 Heart-Healing Practices toRelease Offense, Forgive Freely,and Finally Feel Free
"You Can Let Go" by Alexandra Hoover (available on Amazon)
Connect with Alexandra:
Instagram: @alexandravhoover
Website: alexandravhoover.com
Takeaway:Letting go of offense is a daily practice that leads to freedom, deeper relationships, and a more meaningful life. Tune in for encouragement, practical tools, and a reminder that you are not alone on the journey.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode if it encouraged you!

How to Stay Anchored in a Shifting Culture — with Marian Jordan Ellis

If the world feels loud right now, you’re not imagining it. We’re living in a culture that’s constantly pushing us to keep up, perform, react, and stay “on.” And in the middle of that pressure, it can be really easy to lose your sense of peace, identity, and direction.
In this conversation, I’m joined by author and Bible teacher Marian Jordan Ellis, and we’re talking about what it actually looks like to stay anchored when everything around us feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up.
If you’ve been feeling distracted or untethered lately, this conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to drift. Drop the anchor. 
In this episode, we talk about:
How to stay rooted when everything around you feels shaky
Why remembering God’s past faithfulness helps you today
Raising wise, discerning kids without slipping into fear or legalism
“Digital Junk Food”, everyday distractions, and what actually nourishes your soul
Marian’s powerful “Where else would I go?” moment that anchored her faith during trials
Connect with Marian: thisredeemedlife.org | @marianjordanellis

Small Words, Big Impact: How Everyday Phrases Shape Our Kids’ Confidence and Connection

What if the words we use with our kids become the soundtrack they carry into adulthood?
In this honest, hope-filled conversation, Amy Hughes—mom of nine and author of Words Like Honey—shares how the smallest phrases we say (or don't say) can shape our kids’ confidence, connection, and sense of belonging.
We talk about:
Why awareness (not perfection) changes everything
The power of repair after we miss it
Simple ways to speak life into your kids right where you are
No matter what season of parenting you’re in, this one’s a breath of fresh air—a gentle nudge to slow down, notice the power of words in our kids lives, and choose words to build a strong foundation. 
You can follow Amy on IG @simplelittleamy. 
If you're new here, welcome! Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any of the "breath of fresh air" episodes from some incredible experts, mentors, and friends. If you loved this conversation, leave a review or share it with a friend! Then, come join me on Instagram @annicafischer.

When God Rebuilds Your Story: The Story Behind La Palmilla w/ Kimmie Ellis

Sometimes the hardest seasons become the birthplace of our biggest dreams.
In this episode, we sit down with Kimmie Ellis, co-founder of La Palmilla Texas Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel oasis — recently recognized by National Geographic as a Top 10 Texas family-friendly hotel. 
Kimmie shares how she and her husband, Mitchell, walked through one of the most difficult chapters of their lives and turned that pain into purpose — a contagious dream that created a space where others could rest, reconnect, and rebuild. 
This is more than a story about building a business; it’s about becoming the kind of person who can hold a dream when the path isn’t clear and invite others in — one breadcrumb, one brave step at a time.
You’ll Hear:
How a marriage struggle sparked the vision for La Palmilla
The (surprising) steps, and merging of dreams, that turned an Airbnb idea into a luxury retreat
What it looks like to build something with intention
How they held onto a dream even when the path wasn’t clear
If you’re sitting on a dream—or walking through a hard season—maybe today’s episode is your reminder that what looks like a obstacle might just be the beginning of your next great story.
Check out La Palmilla @ lapalmillatx.comor follow along on Instagram: @lapalmillatx

Five Seconds of Courage: The Micro-Moments That Change Your Life

We spend so much of our time chasing big goals, big breakthroughs, and big answers—but what if some of the most meaningful moments in life are often small and actually measured in seconds?
In this episode, I share stories from my recent trip to Round Top, Texas, where wandering through antique barns, tents, and dinners became a powerful lesson in human connection and power of micro-moments. From a simple compliment to a curious question, and even a table for two (that started with just me), I was reminded what anticipating and creating moments can do to shape our lives and the lives around us. 
You’ll hear about:
The power of offering a small invitation and seeing how one brave act can completely transform someone’s evening (and your own).
Waiting to be noticed vs. noticing others - this perspective changes everything! 
How we often find the encouragement and clarity we didn't even know we needed by five seconds of courage.
How to be "micro-moment" creator. 
This episode is a reminder that you don’t need the perfect words, the right group, outfit, or a grand gesture to make a difference. Tiny, intentional micro-moments—smiles, compliments, gestures of presence—can create belonging, connection, and lasting impact.
“One compliment can echo for decades. One question can unlock someone’s dream. One invitation can rewrite someone’s story."
Connect With Me:
> Instagram: @annicafischer 
> Email me with a 5 second act of courage that encouraged you or someone else at hello@annicafischer.com
 

Ginger Hubbard: Beyond Discipline — Shaping Your Child’s Heart

What if discipline wasn’t about control—but about shaping hearts?
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ginger Hubbard—bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Parenting with Ginger Hubbard podcast—to unpack a heart-centered approach to parenting.
From tattling to tantrums to the teenage years, Ginger shares practical tools and timeless wisdom to help parents move beyond quick fixes and get to the root of their children’s struggles. Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood or navigating the teen years, this conversation will leave you encouraged, equipped, and reminded that parenting is a sacred opportunity—not just a daily grind.
In this episode, you'll hear more on: 
The root of behavior
How to use better "heart-probing" questions
A biblical Put Off / Put On” model for correction
The power of the pause in the heat of the moment 
What Ginger wished she'd known sooner as it relates to parenting
 
Resources Mentioned:
Wise Words for Moms chart 10% off promo code: "parenting"
Parenting with Ginger Hubbard Podcast
Hey, new here? 👋 Welcome! So glad you’re here--it’s a good place to be.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review to help more people find the show or share it with a friend! Follow along on IG @annicafischer.
 

Dreams Rebuilt: Eleanor Bryan on Music, Vulnerability, and Creativity

Singer/songwriter, Eleanor Bryan, joins on the podcast. You’ll hear her story on chasing dreams, the power of vulnerability, and how community shapes her music. We’re chatting about what it looks like to hold onto your dreams with open hands through seasons of uncertainty and move at the pace you’re truly meant to—not the one the world sets for you.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why insecurity is one of the biggest obstacles to creativity—and how to push past it
The choice we have to walk in fear of the ego vs. love 
How dreams sometimes need to fall apart to be rebuilt stronger and more aligned
The power of not rushing timelines but taking the next right step 
Leaning into your gifts, even when things aren’t “practical” 
This is a heartfelt, hope-filled, behind the scenes story for anyone questioning the timing of their dreams, feeling stuck in fear, or needing a reminder to fully embrace the gifts they’ve been given.
 
Hey, new here? 👋 Welcome! So glad you’re here--it’s a good place to be.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss an episode! If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review to help more people find the show or share it with a friend who needs a reminder to keep going.

How to Love People Better: Practical Ways to Transform Your Daily Life with Brett Rodgers

Ever wonder what it really looks like to love people well?
It’s not about having the perfect words… or waiting until you “have it all together.” Brett Rodgers’ story began with a few guys who simply invited him in—no strings attached. That love changed everything.
Decades later, Brett has spent his life leading and mentoring through Young Life and pioneering ministries across the globe. In this powerful conversation, he shares simple, transformative, ways to love people better.
This conversation will encourage you to: 
Learn timeless, practical ways to love people better in your daily rhythms—family, friendships, workplace, and community.
Reframe pain, inconvenience, and expectations
Embrace a posture of hope and forgiveness 
Discover an insightful and compelling definition of “success”
Hi! New here? 👋 Welcome! So glad you’re here--it’s a good place to be. If this conversation inspired you, I hope you'll take one practical step today to love someone well today.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Tried & Truth Podcast so you never miss an episode full of actionable wisdom, encouragement, and real-life lessons just. And if you found value in this conversation, please leave a review to help others discover this message too!  Follow along on Instagram @annicafischer.

Let the Biscuits Burn: Hospitality Made Simple w/ Abby Kuykendall

What if true hospitality had nothing to do with Pinterest-perfect tables or spotless homes—and everything to do with people, presence, and a willing heart? In this episode we sit down with Abby Kuykendall, author of Let the Biscuits Burn: Cultivating Real-Life Hospitality in a World Craving Connection. 
We're talking about:
"Entertaining" vs. "hospitality" and how this simple shift can transform relationships and community
How to plan for people without striving for perfection
Simple rhythms of connection you can build into busy seasons of life even when you don't feel like hospitality is your strength
Intentional "yeses"
Overcoming common barriers like perfectionism, busyness or fear
How to cultivate real life hospitality in world craving connection
 
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: You can follow Abby Kuykendall on IG @abby.kuykendall BOOKS: Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby Kuykendall and Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley
 
Hey, new here? 👋 Welcome! So glad you’re here--it’s a good place to be. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a conversation! Loved this episode? ⭐ Leave a rating, share it with a friend, and follow along on Instagram @annicafischer.
 
 

Choosing Hope and Stepping Into Your Calling with Masey McLain

Actress Masey Mclain opens up about faith, courage, and calling in Hollywood. She shares what it looks like to step boldly into your purpose and hold onto hope even in hard seasons. Macy reminds us that while we can’t always change people’s minds, we can make them think...
In this episode, Masey shares: • How she found her calling in the entertainment industry• The power of vulnerability and embracing your scars • Why daily faithfulness matters more than perfection• A call to hold on to hope, even in hard seasons• The impact of planting seeds and making people think
Mentioned in this episode: Film - SOUL ON FIRE - in theaters 10/10Follow Masey on IG @maseymclain
Hey, new here? 👋 Welcome! So glad you’re here--it’s a good place to be.Be sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a conversation! Loved this episode? ⭐ Leave a rating, share it with a friend, and follow along on Instagram @annicafischer.