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

Real Stories. Honest Conversations. Perspective for Everyday Life.

Most of the world offers "hacks" for a better life. But the truth is, a life of meaning isn't built on shortcuts—it’s built on the steady, intentional choices we make in the middle of our real, often messy, everyday lives.

The Tried & Truth Podcast is a weekly space for those ready to move beyond the fluff. With over 15 years of leadership and coaching experience, host Annica Fischer shares the conversations we actually need to have about what it takes to grow, lead, and live with clarity. Annica sits down with entrepreneurs, authors, thought leaders and experts to dive into the stories that shape us and the faith that carries us through the "unfiltered" side of success.

We get into the friction of parenting, the discipline of marriage, and the grit required to build a brand or a life of purpose. From mental patterns like anxiety and avoidance, to practical topics like habits, health, decluttering, and decision-making, each episode is designed to help you navigate real topics and live your life with greater intention and clarity.

Each episode asks one grounding question: “What does success look like to you?”

The answers will surprise you, challenge conventional definitions of success, and invite you to redefine growth and fulfillment in every area of life.

It is hope-filled, grounded, and practical—designed for the woman who values substance over status. If you’re looking for a weekly refresh that trades quick fixes for timeless wisdom, you’re in the right place.

No fluff. Just the perspective and courage you need to navigate every season with intention.

Connect with Annica: 
Subscribe to the newsletter for a little spark of insights to your inbox!

on Instagram @ANNICAFISCHER or visit www.annicafischer.com

Listen on:

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Episodes

Monday Oct 27, 2025

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

Monday Oct 20, 2025

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
 

Monday Oct 13, 2025

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.
 

Monday Oct 06, 2025

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.

Monday Sep 29, 2025

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.

Monday Sep 22, 2025

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.
 
 

Monday Sep 15, 2025

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.
 

Monday Sep 08, 2025

The Tried and Truth Podcast is back for a brand-new season! In this kick-off episode, I'm talking about the pauses we all face in life—the seasons that feel slow, quiet, or even stuck—and why they may be the very moments where the most growth is happening. 
Listen in for:
Encouragement when life feels on hold
Practical ways to navigate waiting seasons
A fresh perspective on trusting the process
Stories and insights to remind you that stillness can lead to transformation - you're not stuck, you’re being shaped!
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.

Tuesday Jun 06, 2023

If summer has you feeling "all the feels", you're not alone! Wrapping up this season with some real life summer inspiration. AND...if you haven't caught up on all of this past season yet, be sure to add those conversations to your summer playlist because there are some absolutely incredible guests you won't want to miss! You'll find conversations with life coaches, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, designers, speakers, and friends on everything from marriage and parenting to making decisions, running a business and what it means to live a successful life. 

Wednesday May 31, 2023

Melissa Ice joins us on the podcast this week to share more on her story of helping empower and employ women and girl survivors of trafficking and how she’s embarked on a journey of seeing broken relationships restored and seeing women’s stories changed, positively, forever. 
You’ll hear more on when the pull to serve is greater than fear, how we can live in community and relationships when the world focuses more on individualistic living, and how doing the next right thing is simply enough - even when it means walking away from something because you can’t give it your “yes” anymore. As a pursuer of dreams, entrepreneur in a handful of business ventures, Founder of a social enterprise, Chief Vision Officer and mom of two, Melissa shares what leaving a legacy looks like and a lesson learned on what to expect from others (especially when you have high expectations of yourself). 
- More About Melissa - 
Melissa is the Founder & Executive Director of The Net, an anti-trafficking non-profit that has served over 1,000 survivors since 2012 where they seek to empower and employ women and girls. The Net launched a social enterprise called The Worthy Co, that employs survivors to make products where Melissa serves as Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer. Melissa was named Fort Worth Inc’s 400 Most Influential People, Fort Worth Magazine’s Best Philanthropist in 2018, and Fort Worth Business Press 40 Under 40. She is married to her husband Jamey of 15 years and has two little girls. 
______
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Worthy CoThe Net Casa de Ice on Instagram @casa_de_ice
You can follow Melissa on Instagram @melissaice*---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here! It's a good place to be. 
 

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About the Podcast

Annica has set out to bring you actionable secrets to success to help you breakthrough barriers and build a successful life around the things you love. If you’re ready to grow in your confidence, step into clarity, show up better for the people who matter most, and put YOUR time and energy where it counts, you’re in the right place!

She keeps things simple. She tells you what you need to know from LIFE to BUSINESS (and everything in between!), what people wished they'd known , AND will keep you grounded in what TRULY matters. 

Annica has spent more than a decade in leadership development, coaching, and consulting.  She’s trained thousands of leaders, physicians, and teams on everything needed to build value for themselves and others. Her belief that what you see on the outside (what you "experience")  is the byproduct of "inside" work in any area of your life.  She currently writes and hosts a podcast, The Tried and Truth Podcast, that serves as a platform to equip others to lead and thrive (at home and at work) through simple truths, real conversations, practical mentorship, and inspiring stories. You can find her at www.annicafischer.com.

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