The Better Life Podcast

Pop Culture Parenting: The Taylor Swift Debate

In this episode of The Better Life Podcast, Vanessa Reyner sits down with guest Rachel Goode to unpack the buzz around Taylor Swift’s newest album—and why it’s stirred so much conversation online. Together they explore how pop culture shapes our teens, what authenticity in art really looks like, and how parents can guide their kids with both truth and grace. This honest conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating music, media, and values in today’s world—and reminds us that discernment starts with open, faith-filled dialogue at home.

Navigating Family Conflicts with Grace: The Hidden Dangers of Pride

In this episode of the Better Life Podcast, Vanessa Rayner explores the complexities of family dynamics, the nature of pride, and the importance of humility in our relationships with others and with God. She delves into the teachings of James 4, discussing how internal desires can lead to conflicts and how humility can foster deeper intimacy with Jesus. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and the importance of surrendering their pride.Vanessa is coming from Christ Church in Mobile, Alabama, where she is guest preaching. 

A New Season: Trusting God's Providence in Real Life

This week on The Better Life Podcast, Morgan shares some big news from her own life. From exciting changes to the lessons God is teaching along the way, she opens up about what this season looks like and how faith is shaping her next steps.

Holy Ground: Finding God in the Mundane with Annie Grassi

Is it possible that packing lunches, wiping counters, and folding tiny socks could be sacred work?
In this episode, Vanessa and Morgan sits down with Annie Grassi—mother, ministry leader, and everyday theologian—to explore the holiness embedded in the seemingly ordinary rhythms of motherhood. Together, they reflect on how God meets us not just in the big moments, but in the repetitive, unseen, and often exhausting ones.
Annie offers wisdom and warmth as she shares how practicing presence, receiving grace, and paying attention have transformed the way she moves through her day. This conversation is an invitation to reframe the mundane not as a distraction from holy work, but as the very place where God is already present—inviting us to be transformed.
Whether you’re knee-deep in diapers or navigating the emotional waters of teenage years, this episode will encourage you to breathe deeply, slow down, and rediscover the sacredness in the simplicity.

Real Rest: Boundaries for the Run-Down Soul

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I love my life…but I’m totally exhausted”? In this episode, we’re diving into the silent epidemic of burnout AND numbing out—especially for those of us who are doing it all, loving it all, and still running on empty.
Join us as we talk about the difference between true rest and temporary relief, and why so many of us struggle to slow down even when our souls are crying out for space. We’ll share personal stories, honest confessions, and practical ways to create boundaries that protect our joy—not just our time.
More than anything, we’ll explore what it looks like to stop striving and start trusting Jesus with what we’re carrying. Because you were never meant to run your life on your own strength.
If you’re craving a better rhythm, deeper peace, and the kind of rest that actually restores—this conversation is for you.

Sacred Friendship: Finding Your People in the Middle of Real Life

Friendship in adulthood isn’t always easy. Schedules are full, trust takes time, and sometimes it feels simpler to just go it alone.
But what if friendship is one of the most sacred ways God meets us?
In this heartfelt episode, Morgan and Vanessa unpack:
🤝 The unique beauty (and challenge) of adult connection😅 Why friendship looks different for introverts and extroverts🏠 How church can be a place of both healing and hurt in relationships
They share stories of friendship that formed in unexpected places, how they’ve wrestled with loneliness, and what it means to build authentic community in a culture that often settles for surface.
You’ll hear:
How to initiate friendship without the awkwardness
The power of presence and persistence
Why spiritual friendship is less about fixing and more about witnessing
This episode is for anyone longing for deeper connection—whether you’re rebuilding trust, craving new community, or simply wondering where your people are.
Because friendship isn’t a luxury in the Christian life...it’s one of its greatest gifts.
Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow in grace and connection.

Scrolling & Self-Worth: Helping Families Build Healthy Relationships with Social Media

Social media isn’t just about connection—it’s shaping how our kids see themselves, define success, and measure belonging.
In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, Morgan and Vanessa explore:
📸 How the comparison trap starts younger than we think🧠 The ways social media forms identity—for better or worse💡 Practical steps to build resilience and real-world confidence
They share honest reflections on their own online habits, the tension between digital presence and real presence, and how they’re helping their kids navigate likes, follows, and filters with wisdom.
You’ll hear:
How to talk to your kids about self-worth and social validation
Why boundaries are a gift—not a punishment
Tips for modeling healthy screen use (without shame or guilt)
This episode is for every parent wondering how to raise emotionally healthy kids in a culture of curated perfection.
Because your child’s identity was never meant to be built by algorithms.
Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters.

Marriage in the Mayhem: Staying Connected When Life Gets Loud

Between sports practices, grocery runs, and back-to-back meetings, marriage can start to feel like a relay race—where you're just passing the baton, not pausing to connect.
In this candid and grace-filled episode, Morgan and Vanessa explore:
💬 The quiet drift that can happen in long-term relationships🌀 How chaos and routine can pull couples apart🧭 Simple rhythms that bring you back to each other
They open up about the highs and lows of their own journey—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the small daily choices that make the biggest difference.
You’ll hear:
How to stay curious about your spouse (even after years together)
Practical habits for emotional and spiritual connection
Why laughter, intention, and time together really matters
This episode is for every couple craving a deeper bond in the middle of a busy life.
Because your marriage isn’t just worth fighting for—it’s worth tending to.
Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next!

Balancing Faith and Sports: A Family Dilemma

Youth Sports & Faith: Navigating the Pressure, Performance, and Priorities
with Morgan & Vanessa
Youth sports are no longer just weekend games—they’re a full-time commitment. But at what cost?
In this honest and timely conversation, Morgan and Vanessa dive into:
⚾ The growing pressure on kids (and parents) to perform
🏆 The cultural shift toward idolizing youth athletics
📅 What happens when sports collide with family rhythms and spiritual commitments
They share personal stories of navigating sports seasons, parenting in the stands, and wrestling with the tension between competitiveness and character.
You’ll hear:
    •    How to keep faith and family values front and center in a performance-driven culture
    •    Practical ideas for protecting your child’s identity and heart
    •    Why community matters when you're swimming upstream
This episode is for every parent trying to raise grounded kids in a world where winning often feels like everything.
Because at the end of the day, their worth isn’t on the scoreboard.Subscribe to make sure you know when each episode releases! 

The Happiness Problem

Join hosts Morgan Kennedy & Vanessa Reyner as we talk through,what does it look like to find real friends in adulthood?how do we push back against the hectic life to let the holy parts in?what does it look like to do a digital detox with kids?how do we tap into what we really want and desire for our life?