Podcasts by Asking for a Friend
For the woman who has questions about herself, the Church, and the world, Asking for a Friend provides a safe space to engage in tough topics. Each week Kara-Kae James confronts topics we all have questions about . . . but are too afraid to ask.
Join us as we break free from the status quo and engage in conversations that matter.
Further podcasts by Kara-Kae James
Podcast on the topic Christentum
All episodes
78: What is a woman's role? from 2021-04-15T13:59:05
Many women are struggling to find their place in the church today. From misguided teachings to dangerous theology, women have been told to sit down, be quiet...or even go home. So, what is a wom...
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77: How do I talk to my kids about hard things? from 2021-04-08T15:01:58
It's no secret that kids are facing grief, trauma and mental health. We don't want to shelter our kids from the hard things happening -- so how do we talk to them about hard things?
76: How do I navigate sexuality as a Christian woman? from 2021-04-01T12:31:25
As Christian women, the conversation around sex, singleness, and desire is a struggle. Even in marriage, it can be difficult to separate truth from the lies of purity culture. How do we navigate...
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75: How can people of mixed ethnicity find belonging? from 2021-03-25T13:53:56
“What are you?”
Many of us will never know what it’s like to get that question. For those with multiethnic and multicultural backgrounds, finding their place can...
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74: How can women speak up when silenced? from 2021-03-18T14:41:38
If you have ever felt your voice silenced, this episode is for you. For so many women -- this is part of your story. In this episode, I'm chatting with Tiffany Bluhm, author of the book ...
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73: How can we find purpose in pain? from 2021-03-11T16:40:38
When tragedy strikes, it’s easy to feel hopeless. But what if the very thing that hurts us is the thing that God wants to use? What if we allowed Him to use our pain to mold us into who He wants...
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72: Can God use rejection for good? from 2021-03-04T14:17:59
We all know what it’s like to feel the sting of rejection. Whether it happened when you were a child or it happened last week, it can be difficult to put your heart back out there. Where is God ...
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71: What is it like as a Black woman and bridge builder? from 2021-02-25T17:32:40
As Black History Month comes to a close, we still have work to do. How can we continue to elevate the voices of people of color? What does it look like to authentically come alongside one anothe...
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70: What is it like to be a Black woman in publishing? from 2021-02-18T15:17:31
One of the first steps towards anti-racism is learning from the everyday experiences of people of color. This Black History Month, I’m speaking with Black women of different backgrounds and life...
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69: What is it like as a Black woman in the marketplace? from 2021-02-11T11:00
One of the first steps towards anti-racism is learning from the everyday experiences of people of color. This Black History Month, I’m speaking with Black women of different backgrounds and life...
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68: What is it like to be a Black woman in education? from 2021-02-04T15:25:27
One of the first steps towards anti-racism is learning from the everyday experiences of people of color. This Black History Month, I’m speaking with Black women of different backgrounds and life...
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67: How can I study the Bible as a busy woman? from 2021-01-28T13:22:37
Work, family, school, church… In the midst of a busy world, making the Bible a priority can seem like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list. If you’re struggling to consistently enjoy time...
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66: Where can I find hope when I feel stuck in life? from 2021-01-21T13:00
As Christ followers, we know that Jesus is coming back to make things right. We know He’s going to restore all things. But until then, it’s easy to feel stuck, as we deal with the reality of lif...
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65: How do we redeem purity culture? from 2021-01-14T13:00
If you’ve been around church for a while, you’ve likely been impacted by the messages of purity culture. Rachel Joy Welcher believes it’s time to talk back.
If yo...
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64: How do I fight back against fear and anxiety? from 2021-01-07T13:31:22
As we kick off a new year, how do we move forward and fight back against fear and anxiety? How do we continue to show up on our darkest days? Whether you consider yourself “Queen of the New Year...
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63: What the 2020? from 2020-12-17T13:00
Well, we did it. We made it to the end of 2020, the longest year of our lives. But it’s not all bad — there were some great things that came from 2020! In this final episode of the year, Brook a...
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62: How can I find comfort in suffering? from 2020-12-10T13:00
We all face seasons of suffering and hardship. In these times, we often find ourselves feeling isolated and alone in our pain. How can we find comfort and companionship when life gets dark?
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61: How can I calm down about parenting? from 2020-12-03T13:00
There is so much pressure on parents to do everything and be everything for their kids. How calm down and lighten up about parenting? If you feel the need to let go a bit, this episode is for yo...
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60: How should the church handle racism? from 2020-11-26T13:00
The American church still remains one of the most segregated places in the world. How should the church approach this struggle? Is there a place in the church to talk about politics?
Toda...
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59: Can I find joy in the holidays in 2020? from 2020-11-19T13:00
The holidays can be hard enough for many people but then throw in the chaos of 2020…yikes. Is it possible to find joy in the holidays of 2020?
I’m chatting with Mary Carver about how to f...
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58: How can I find peace in a noisy world? from 2020-11-12T13:00
The world is noisy. It’s filled with criticism, rejection, and pushback. And when you already struggle with anxiety and/or an inner critic, it feels like a road to failure.
Is it possible...
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57: How can I love people I don't agree with? from 2020-11-05T13:00
When we find ourselves on the other side of an election, how can we continue to love people we don’t agree with? If you are struggling with seeing others through a lens of love this season, this...
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56: Why should Christians care about politics? from 2020-10-29T12:00
The political season can be CRAZY, but can Christians find their place in politics? Should we even care? If you are struggling with all the pressure and struggles around politics, this episode i...
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55: What does it mean to be pro-life? from 2020-10-22T12:00
If you are struggling with the pull of being pro-life, but wanting to honor God, women, and culture -- this episode is for you. In this episode I'm sharing a bit of what it means for me to be pr...
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54: How is the foster system impacting youth? from 2020-10-15T12:00
If you are interested in foster care, but want to hear more about what growing up in the foster system is like, this episode is for you! In week two of our series of diving into what the foster... Listen
53: Can you help me understand the foster system? from 2020-10-08T12:00
Kicking off a two week series as we look deeper into foster care. This week, my dear friend Ruthie Hart who is a biological parent, adoptive parent, and foster parent is helping us understand al...
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52: What did I miss? (Part 2) from 2020-10-01T12:00
It's time for another episode of What Did I Miss? with Kara-Kae and Elizabeth! We discuss books, movies, tv shows, another things that have impacted us over the past couple of months.
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51: Is justice biblical? from 2020-09-24T12:00
While justice definitely isn’t a new concept, it’s something we are seeing brought to our attention lately in the news and all around us. There has been a lot of focus on the word justic...
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50: What is the best way to serve those in need? from 2020-09-17T12:00
There is poverty and homelessness all around us. How can we step into the margins and what are the best ways to serve those in need?
Terence Lester is joining me to discuss this incredibl...
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49: How can we fight racial systems that divide us? from 2020-09-10T12:00
Is white supremacy at work in our churches? Unfortunately, YES. When we are ready to face this hard truth, then what? Today I’m chatting with Daniel Hill and how to fight the racial systems that...
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48: Can I trust God's plan for my life? from 2020-09-03T12:00
We love to put Jeremiah 29:11 on our coffee mugs and wall prints — but what does it REALLY mean? How can we truly trust that God is in control of our lives? Does he really have our best in mind?...
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47: How can I improve my prayer life? from 2020-08-27T13:00
Prayer can be tough for many of us. It can be challenging to talk to someone we can't touch or see. If you feel this struggle, this episode is for you! I'm chatting with Chrystal Hurst about cre...
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46: What are the secrets of a secure woman? (Part 3) from 2020-08-20T12:00
Today we are wrapping up the series “what are the secrets of a secure woman?” as I chat with Rachel Kang about her experience in finding security in our identity. Rachel has an incredible story ...
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45: What are the secrets of a secure woman? (Part 2) from 2020-08-13T19:29:15
This week we are in part 2 of the series “What are the secrets of a secure woman?” and I’m chatting with Nicki Wilson about being secure in our bodies.
Nicki gives some great encouragem...
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44: What are the secrets of a secure woman? (Part 1) from 2020-08-06T12:00
We all want to be secure as women, but is there a secret sauce to what security looks like? In part one of a three part series, I’m chatting with Alli Worthington about what it looks like to be ...
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43: What did I miss? from 2020-07-30T12:00
I have a really fun episode for you today as I welcome back Elizabeth for a great chat about resources. In this episode of “What did I miss?” (Thanks Thomas Jefferson), Elizabeth and I ...
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42: Can America really be united? from 2020-07-23T12:00
We find ourselves in a time of great strife and division in our country. In the wake of the pandemic and a political season, people are at odds more than ever. Can we as citizens of the United ... Listen
41: What's really going on at the border? from 2020-07-16T12:00
Immigration. Such a hard topic in our culture today, but a much needed conversation. Maybe you are unsure of what to believe and struggling to understand the narrative behind immigration. Today'...
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40: How do I wait well? from 2020-07-09T12:00
We all know what it’s like to wait, and it’s not always an easy spot to be in. Whether we are waiting for a pandemic to end, waiting on an answer from God, waiting for a job — we all know what i...
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39: How do I talk to my kids about pornography? from 2020-07-02T12:00
"How do I talk to my kids about pornography?", a question I recently received from a listener and a great question! It's incredibly important to teach our children about pornography and help cre...
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38: Why does the Church not talk about sex? from 2020-06-25T12:00
Within in the Church, talking about sex is often taboo. We avoid healthy conversations and say “true love waits”, but what was God’s plan for sex? How can the Church have better conversations ab...
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37: How do I talk to my kids about racism? from 2020-06-18T12:00
The number one question I’ve gotten recently from listeners is “how can I talk to my kids about racism?”, so I invited Jenny Delacruz to have this important conversation with me! Jenny and I tac...
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36: What if I doubt God? from 2020-06-11T12:00
Is it okay to doubt and ask questions of God? It’s a heavy question with many caveats, but an important conversation!
I had a great chat with Knox McCoy, author of All Things Reconsidered...
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35: How can I make my marriage last? from 2020-06-04T12:00
Marriage is one of the greatest gifts, but also can be the most challenging to navigate. How can we build lasting marriages, stand strong together, or find ways to reconcile through hard times?<...
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34: How should we respond to injustice? from 2020-05-28T12:00
When racism rears its ugly head (on a daily basis), we all wonder “how should we respond to injustice?” Most of the time, we are unsure what to do, what to say or how to act.
I am gratefu...
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33: How can the Church support singles? from 2020-05-21T12:00
Single women after often overlooked or lost in the Church. They feel disconnected at times and struggle to find their place within the Church.
I sat down with Crystal Day and we chatted a...
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32: Does my voice matter? from 2020-05-14T12:00
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Do you ever feel like your voice doesn’t count? Do you feel silenced or not know where to start? Today I’m chatting with Csilla Muscan about why ever...
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31: What do moms really want? from 2020-05-07T12:00
Mother’s Day is here and I’m taking some time to honor women in motherhood! I sat down with three friends at different stages of motherhood to answer the question “what do moms really want?”. Listen
30: How should the Church handle abortion? from 2020-04-30T12:00
Did you know that 1 in 3 women have had an abortion? The stats are a bit shocking when you look at them, but tells us that so many women are suffering in silence. I'm joined by my friend Janay t...
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29: How do I overcome stereotypes? from 2020-04-23T12:00
As women, we feel the pressure to be a lot of things and stereotypes are constantly placed on us. How can we overcome those stereotypes?
This week’s conversation with Simi John about ster...
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28: Can my marriage survive the apocalypse? from 2020-04-16T13:00
We are stuck at home with our spouses — and no amount of premarital counseling prepared us all for quarantine. Can our marriage survive the apocalypse?
Brook and I share some funny marria...
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27: Can my parenting survive the apocalypse? from 2020-04-09T10:00
Does anyone else feel like they are trapped in the apocalypse and can't escape? We are all trying to survive this crazy season, and many of us are wondering — will my parenting survive?
T...
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26: How can I have a healthy body image? from 2020-04-02T10:00
Why is it so stinking hard to just love ourselves and have a healthy body image? As women, we pick ourselves a part and fight the battle with the mirror every day. But can we actually have a hea...
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25: So...now what? from 2020-03-26T10:00
I'm taking the reins of the show with trembling knees but with a big heart! Listen in to this short and sweet episode to hear the heart behind the new direction of Asking for a Friend with Kara-...
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24: What happens when life changes direction? from 2020-03-19T10:00
Sometimes life shifts and changes and we feel a bit scattered. How can we find our footing when everything changes direction? Today we are sharing some BIG news for the podcast and chat about li...
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23: How can I raise kids in an entitled world? from 2020-03-12T10:00
We recently received this question from a listener and we knew it was a topic we had to discuss! Raising kids in our western culture, we can get lost in raising them in the midst of entitlement....
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22: Is it OK to take medication for my mental health? from 2020-03-05T12:00
A big, heavy question and one that can be difficult to ask within the Church. - is medication OK for mental health? Today on the show, we are discussing this very question and what it looks li...
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21: Is anxiety a choice? from 2020-02-27T11:00
It’s not much of a surprise, any shows we talk about mental health are some of our most popular shows -- it just goes to show how much women are struggling with mental health, and maybe unsure h...
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20: Is self-care actually good for me? from 2020-02-20T11:00
Today we are tackling the super popular topic of “self-care”. What is it? Why do we need it? How does it differ from soul care? We toss around manis, pedis, and yoga and call it “self-care... bu...
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19: How can I love broken people? from 2020-02-13T11:00
We all have people in our lives who have been through hard things and we want to know how to love them well. Or maybe the person you are struggling to love is YOU and we just want to be ...
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18: Am I too strong for my husband? from 2020-02-06T11:00
Women are expected to be quiet and meek…but what happens when we aren’t? What does that look like in our marriages, especially if our husband has a quieter personality than you? Join us as we di...
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17: Why are friendships so hard? from 2020-01-30T12:00
Friendships as an adult can be so stinking hard! Join Kara-Kae & Elizabeth this week as they chat through the difficulties of friendships, chat through a lot of listener comments and questio...
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16: How can I live with chronic pain? from 2020-01-23T12:00
Thanks for joining us for another Episode of Asking for a Friend. This week we are tackling a health and wellness topic and answering the question , “How can I live with chronic pain?” ...
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15: Is our criminal justice system working? from 2020-01-16T12:00
This week we are talking about the criminal justice system and answering the question, “Is the criminal justice system working?” We’ll talk about the problems we see in the prison system, racial...
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14: How can I live a better year? from 2020-01-09T12:00
There's so much pressure to start the year off right, lose the holiday weight, and be the best version of you...it can all be a little overwhelming! In today's episode Kara-Kae and Elizabeth tac...
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13: What did we learn from 2019? from 2020-01-02T12:00
What do Beyonce, women’s soccer, congress, and Beth Moore have in common? You’ll have to listen to find out! What a year it’s been for women, the Church and culture! As we enter 2020, Kara-Kae a...
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12: How can the holidays be more meaningful? from 2019-12-19T12:00
It’s a stressful time of year, isn’t it? Do you feel as stretched thin as we do? So, how can we make the holidays a more meaningful time? Join Kara-Kae and Elizabeth as they pause to discuss the...
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BONUS: Women in the Church - What we learned from 2019-12-16T12:00
Today we are jumping in with a bonus episode to recap the "Women in the Church" series. Kara-Kae and Elizabeth chat through the high points of the three-episode series and talk about their big t...
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11: Should women lead in the Church? (Part 3) from 2019-12-12T12:00
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth continue their three-part discussion on women in the Church by asking the question, “Should women lead in the Church?” Today they interview Mary Alice Birdwhistell, senior...
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10: Should women should lead in the Church? (Part 2) from 2019-12-05T12:00
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth continue their discussion on women in the Church by asking the question, “Should women lead in the Church?” Today they interviewed Pastor John Durham from Highland Baptist...
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9: Should women lead in the Church? (Part 1) from 2019-11-28T11:00
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! In this week's episode, Kara-Kae and Elizabeth dive into the question "Should women lead in the Church?". They discuss Complementarianism and Egalitarianism and...
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8: Is adoption helpful or hurtful? from 2019-11-21T12:00
This week co-hosts Kara-Kae and Elizabeth are recognizing National Adoption Month. As adoptive mamas, they want to explore the heartache and joys of adoption and answer the question, is adoption...
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7: How do I handle my anxious child? from 2019-11-14T11:00
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth offer an insightful and personal look at the issue of anxiety in children, and they answer the question many parents are asking, "How do I handle my anxious child?" Together...
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6: Am I experiencing stress or burnout? from 2019-11-07T11:00
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth discuss the difference between stress and burnout. Kara-Kae offers her personal experience dealing with burnout this past year. Together, they discuss what to do if you are e...
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5: Why does mentoring matter? from 2019-10-31T10:00
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth discuss the importance of mentoring and discipleship both inside and outside the Church. They break down Titus 2 and discuss what Scripture says about older generations of wo...
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4: What's wrong with me? from 2019-10-24T09:00
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth discussed the difficult, and personal, topic of depression. Each of them told their own stories of dealing with depression. They discussed the Church’s response to depression...
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3: Why can't I do that? from 2019-10-24T08:30
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth welcomed guest Ashley Danielle as they discussed the challenging topic of cultural appropriation and answered the question, “Why can’t I do that?” They offered a definition o...
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2: How can I love myself when I don't like my body? from 2019-10-24T08:00
Co-hosts Kara-Kae James and Elizabeth Oates dive into the topic of body image and answer the question, “How can I love myself when I don’t like my body?” They discuss the lies we believe from the e...
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1: How do I lead when I don't feel like a leader? from 2019-10-24T07:30
Kara-Kae and Elizabeth tackle the subject of leadership and answer the question, “How do I lead when I don’t feel like a leader?” They encourage listeners that they don’t need a fancy title or an a...
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Welcome To The Asking For A Friend Podcast from 2019-10-14T17:17:23
Welcome To The Asking For A Friend Podcast where each week Kara-Kae James and Elizabeth Oates confront topics we all have questions about . . . but are too afraid to ask. Join us as we break free ...
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