This is Your Nudge to Step into Freedom with Mac Bridges & Kenz Durham

Have you ever turned your relationship with God into another thing on your to-do list? Read the Bible. Check.Pray. Check.Go to church. Check.Serve. Check. And somehow, all the things that were meant to draw you closer to Jesus start feeling like things you have to accomplish to prove you’re doing faith right. If you’ve ever been there, this episode is your nudge to put down the checklist and remember: God loved you before you ever did a single thing for Him. Today I’m talking with my wise friend Monica Ritchie about what it looks like to grow in our faith without slipping into legalism or performance. Monica Ritchie is a Bible Teacher & Theologian. She’s passionate about bringing you accessible theology that you can embody in real life. She says, “I’m your friend that went to seminary,” and she means it! Her heart is to share more of who God is so that you are better equipped to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Monica also shares her own unexpected journey from fashion influencer to Bible teacher and theologian—and I love the way she reminds us that faith, creativity, beauty, and theology don't have to live in separate boxes. We talk about spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture, worship, silence, rest, and community—not as rules we have to follow, but as rhythms that continually turn our hearts back toward God. And those rhythms? They might look completely different depending on your life and the season you're in. Spiritual disciplines are meant to lead us toward freedom, not pressure.

Do you have an idea, dream, stirring in your heart, but you keep dismissing it, ignoring it, or telling yourself you can’t do it? Maybe you don’t feel qualified, like it’s too late, like someone else is already doing it, or the answer will be no. So why bother asking? This conversation is your nudge to not let any of that hold you back and instead take the next faithful step. I’m sitting down with my friend Annie F. Downs, and we’re talking about what it looks like to trust the unique life God is writing for each of us. Annie shares stories from her own journey, from writing and moving to marriage, tattoos, ministry, and all sorts of unexpected turns. She reminds us that God’s calling rarely unfolds in one giant, obvious leap. More often? It looks like one small yes followed by another. Annie shares a beautiful picture of perfume and its “dry down,” or how the same fragrance smells different on every person who wears it. Our faith is like that. We all carry the aroma of Christ, but because God created each of us uniquely, following Jesus isn't going to look the same on me as it does on you. And that’s the point. Comparison can keep us from noticing what God is doing in our lives.

Do you ever feel like there’s just… not enough? Not enough money, time, energy, margin, opportunities, or security? If so, this episode is your nudge to stop living from a place of fear and start living from the abundance God has already promised you. Today I’m joined by my sweet friend Jen Thompson, and we’re diving into the difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset—and wow, this conversation hit deep. Because if we’re honest, so many of us are walking around exhausted, striving, and constantly comparing, believing the lie that we’re somehow falling behind. But God never asked us to live clenched-fist lives. Together, Jen and I unpack what Scripture says about God’s provision, from manna in the wilderness to Jesus teaching us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We talk about the freedom that comes when we stop obsessing over tomorrow and start trusting God with today. Scarcity says “there’s never enough.” God says “I will provide.”

Do mornings ever feel… a little out of reach? Like you want to be the girl with the quiet time, the coffee, the Bible open… but real life just doesn’t look like that? This episode is your nudge to let go of the pressure, and meet Jesus right where you are. I’m joined by the amazing Jennifer Dukes Lee, and we’re talking all about mornings—but not in the “wake up at 5am and have it all together” kind of way. We’re redefining what it actually means to be a “morning person” and why your morning doesn’t have to be early or perfect to be powerful. Jennifer shares practical, grace-filled ways to invite God into your morning to jump start your day in all the best ways—whether you’ve got five quiet minutes, a chaotic house, or you’re whispering a prayer on your commute. You don’t have to be an early riser to be a “morning person” with the Lord.

Have you ever felt like there’s a gap between where you are and where you think you should be? This episode is your nudge to stop fighting or mourning that gap and instead start understanding and closing it. I’m sitting down with my dear friend Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, author, and someone who beautifully bridges the space between science and faith. We talk about what he calls the “mental gap” and how so much of our struggle isn’t about our circumstances, it’s about what’s happening inside our minds. Here’s the good news: YOU ARE NOT STUCK! Through the power of neuroplasticity (yes, your brain can actually change!) and the truth of God’s Word, you can begin to rewire your thoughts, reshape your responses, and step into a life marked by peace, purpose, and real freedom. The “mental gap” is real—but it doesn’t have to bet permanent.