We just got back from New York City celebrating Milly’s 10th birthday. Today’s episode is all about that trip and how we are celebrating big milestone birthdays in our family.

My nesting party was one of my favorite days of my life. I know that sounds so crazy, but it was so much more than just getting my home ready for having a baby. It was a day where I was surrounded by my favorite women on this earth, humbly receiving their love, work, and care. It’s a day that will always remind me that when I’m feeling alone, I’m actually not alone at all. I have women who love me. Today, I’m going to share the practical side of how to throw a nesting party and the heart side of why it meant so much to me. I’m going to have my friend and sister-in-law, Samantha Ray on to give her perspective of what it was like because she threw the nesting party for me. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

Last week’s episode was all about what’s saving my life right now - mom edition, but I focused on everything that was free. This week is everything else, so it’s part two of What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition.

Let’s pretend you and I are sitting down at a coffee shop and you just asked me, “Nancy, what is saving your life right now as a mama of five?” Then I tell you everything that I can think of. That is what today’s episode is going to be.

Winsome Joy Ray, our precious fifth baby, was born at home on Christmas Day. This is her birth story.

Hello and welcome to May is for Mamas! I am so excited! I love this month of the year on the Work & Play podcast! We are kicking off this series with 20 of my favorite things that I have experienced this postpartum season. This is going to be a great episode for you to forward to a pregnant mama or someone who is postpartum. There is going to be a total of five episodes released every Thursday during the month of May with something for moms and something free for you (like a gift or a discount). It’s all going to be in every episode, but you have to stay and listen to the end, so don’t miss it. I can’t wait for May is for Mamas 2025. Let’s go!

Well today you’re in for a treat. I have my dear friend, Mary Marantz, author of Underestimated, on the podcast. She has written three amazing books, but we’re talking about her latest one. I cannot even tell you what a gift it has been to me so far. I know you’re going to love this conversation with Mary. If you are stuck in feeling afraid of moving forward in a dream or idea that you have… if you feel like you’re just a drop in a bucket and you don’t know how to create… if you feel like you are afraid and there are scripts playing in your head and you don’t know how to get past them, today’s episode is for you.

Do you know what I don’t talk about enough? My Contentment Challenge. It has become a regular part of my life every year now, but it continues to be one of the best things that I do. Today, I’m going to share eleven benefits that I experience every single time I do the contentment challenge and my unique approach to it this year.

Today, I’m going to share what it means to live in day-tight compartments. This is a follow-up episode from last year called, “Be Where Your Feet Are.” Basically an encouragement and reminder to you to be present today and that’s all you need to focus on.

Last week, I told you all about my favorite books from 2024. This week, I’m going to tell you all about what I plan to read in 2025.

Reading books will forever be an important part of my life. It is something my dad has instilled in me. I will always be sharing the books that I’m loving and the books that I’m hoping to read on this podcast because I think it’s one of life’s greatest gifts. So today I am going to be sharing with you my favorite books that I read last year in 2024.

I am so excited to be back behind this mic! Today, we are going to talk about why I named this podcast “Work and Play” and I’ll share a fresh take on what it means to me now.

It is January! Happy 2025! This is my annual State of the Podcast episode. It’s going to be short and sweet, but I’m also really excited to share all the ideas and things I’m thinking about for Work and Play with Nancy Ray in 2025.

Well, we just had our 5th baby and we decided to keep the news of our pregnancy all to ourselves until baby was born. Today, with the help of my friend Emily, I’ll be sharing all about why we chose this path.

Okay, friend! I have been keeping the biggest secret from you all year and I'm so excited to finally share it with you today. I don't think you're ready for this... Are you ready?

Today is a very brief episode. It’s a tradition of sorts on this podcast for me to read this to you. I change it a little every year so that it pertains specifically to this year. It’s simply called, “Finish Strong.”

If you do absolutely nothing else with this episode, then listen to the intro. I want you to listen to my encouragement to take time to reflect at the end of your year.

Today, I am going to be sharing my three favorite rhythms (or traditions or appointments) I put in my calendar at the end of every single year to finish the year well. These are things that really make me pause and reflect on the things that I have learned, the mistakes I have made, and how I want to change. That can make all the difference.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. Today, I’m going to be sharing my five favorite Christmas traditions, my five favorite gifts to give at Christmas time, and my five favorite Christmas albums to listen to.

Happy Thanksgiving week! Oh my goodness, I can’t believe we are here! Today’s episode is all about our very favorite Thanksgiving tradition. It’s so simple. It costs nothing. I hope you and your family enjoy it!

I specifically reached out to my podcast guest today and said, “Please come on my podcast. I have been watching you and have been so inspired by you. I would love to hear more about your story and get a chance to catch up.”

We have been kind of online friends for over five years. Seeing what she is doing in her life is so inspiring. So today I am going to talk with Laura Jean Bell about health, faith, speaking life, about her story, and about her new book. Honestly, I feel like I was just sitting on a back porch talking with a really good friend for a long time. She is very honest; very real, and I think you’re going to love what she has to say.