Real Talk with Rachael Podcast

By: Rachael Gilbert
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Rachael Gilbert, LPC, is a licensed therapist on a mission to bridge the gap between mental health and faith. She believes in the power of Jesus and therapy and loves to have honest conversations about both. Tune in on Mondays for short talk therapy episodes, always 15 minutes or less. And on Wednesdays, we share guest interviews with people whose message will bring you hope, healing, and encouragement. Stick around until the show for "Let's Get Real Practical," a short segment in which Rachael shares counselor-approved strategies for making this real-talk episode relevant to your everyday life through simple action steps.
    Rachael Gilbert
    Show More Show Less
Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Spirituality
Show More Show Less
Episodes
  • 192: Vertical Relationships with Dave & Ann Wilson

    192: Vertical Relationships with Dave & Ann Wilson
    Feb 5 2025
    This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with the hosts of FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson. They are also cofounders of Kensington Church, a national, multi-campus church that hosts more than 14,000 attendees every weekend. Dave and Ann are authors of the book Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That Will Change Your Marriage. The Wilsons live in the Detroit area where Dave served as the Detroit Lions chaplain for 33 years. Dave and Ann have three grown sons, CJ, Austin, and Cody, as well as three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: A "vertical marriage" means putting God first before everything else, including your spouse. When your relationship with God is strong, it overflows into your marriage, helping you love and serve better.When things feel off, take time to reflect. Both partners shared that repentance—acknowledging their shortcomings before God—was the turning point that softened their hearts toward each other.Every marriage has peaks and valleys. When you’re at a low point, don't give up. Feelings may fade temporarily, but with commitment and work, love can grow again.Expecting your partner to meet all your emotional and spiritual needs is setting them (and yourself) up for failure. Only God can fill that role.Keeping God at the center takes a daily choice. Start each day by surrendering your life, your marriage, and your family to Him.If you’re stuck in a cycle of conflict or numbness, pause to evaluate your patterns. Are you blaming your spouse or avoiding the real issues? Start breaking the cycle by taking responsibility for your part.Ask the Big Question, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how are we doing in our marriage?" It’s a scary question, but it’s a powerful way to check the pulse of your relationship. Be prepared to hear the answer without getting defensive. Pray beforehand, and approach it with humility and a desire to grow together.Real intimacy requires working through the tough stuff—conflict, misunderstandings, and past baggage. You can’t avoid the chaos. Growth happens when you go through it, not around it.When challenges arise, resist the urge to blame your spouse. Look in the mirror and ask, “What’s my role in this?” True change begins when we own our selfishness and commit to doing the work.Stepping into hard conversations requires bravery. Even if the answer or response feels uncomfortable, it’s the first step toward deeper connection.Don’t give up, even when it’s hard. Marriage is a covenant, not just a contract. Seek help when needed—whether it’s through books, counseling, or community support. Remember, you’re building something that not only blesses your marriage but can transform legacies for future generations.Practical things you can do to strengthen your relationship - Pray Together. Even when you’re angry, praying together can soften hearts. Date Your Spouse: Prioritize regular one-on-one time to reconnect. Ask Honest Questions: Regularly check in with your spouse and genuinely listen. Accountability: Surround yourself with friends or mentors who will challenge and encourage you to grow. Let’s Get Real Practical: Abide in the Lord by reading a passage, reflecting on it, responding to it, and resting in itEmotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day - Peter ScazzeroWhen you sit with the Lord, consider having a special meeting place Resources: RachaelGilbert.com Image Restored Connect with Dave & Ann: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • By Faith

    By Faith
    Jan 22 2025

    In this special episode, I dive into faith as the foundation for transformation. Together, we explore the power of shifting from fear to faith, building spiritual resilience, and taking bold steps toward the life God has called us to live. Through scriptural truths, personal reflections, and practical steps, you'll discover how to let faith move you forward and release the grip of fear and comparison.

    We’ll also take intentional moments to pause and process – because growth happens not just in hearing, but in reflecting and responding.

    1. Faith is the Foundation
      Pause to Process: What’s your foundation? Have you been comparing your faith journey to others?
    2. Faith Is Not a Formula; It’s a Relationship with Our Father
      Pause to Process: Who or what have you been comparing your journey to? How can you deepen your relationship with God today?
    3. Fear Will Cripple Your Faith and Mock Your Future
      Pause to Process: What has fear been telling you about your future? What is God saying instead?
    4. Faith Spreads Like Fire
      Pause to Process: What are you spreading—faith or fear? Who can you encourage today?

    Faith in Action Ideas

      • Pray over your home, your family, and your circumstances.
      • Commit to tithing, trusting God to bless your finances.
      • Pursue counseling for unprocessed pain.
      • Take bold steps in 2025—write that book, start that business, or reconcile relationships.
      • Pause to Process: What would “as in heaven” look like in your life in 2025?

    Faith Reflections for 2025

    • Your “By Faith” Statement:
      Write down how you will trust God in 2025.
      Example: By faith, in 2025, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart, throw off shame and comparison, and walk in step with the Spirit.

    • Hebrews 12:1-3:
      Meditate on these verses and let them inspire you to run your race with endurance, keeping your eyes on Jesus.

    Takeaways and Challenges

    • Reflect on the questions and prompts in the "Pause to Process" sections.
    • Share your "By Faith" statement with a trusted friend or mentor for accountability.
    • Take one bold action this week that reflects your faith in God.
    • Take the body quiz and pick up a copy of Image Restored
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Talk Therapy: Process & Pray 2024 - Battle Plan

    Talk Therapy: Process & Pray 2024 - Battle Plan
    Dec 23 2024

    Back by popular demand is our annual Process and Pray. If you’re new here, in December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we “Process & Pray through the Year.” As a therapist, I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future.

    Thus far, we have big praise and bold prayers. Today we are discussing our battle plan.

    Process & Pray:

    • What word did God give me for the year?
    • What battles did we walk through this year?
    • What promises has God spoken to me and my family?
    • God, what word are you giving me for the coming year?
    • Journal a few verses that God wants you to cling to in 2025
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins

What listeners say about Real Talk with Rachael Podcast

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available