In this episode of The Next Brave Thing, I sit down with the insightful and compassionate Hannah Wilson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to explore the deep and often tender intersections between trauma, emotional health, and spirituality. We talk about how trauma shows up in our relationships, shapes our personal growth, and influences our spiritual journeys.

Hannah shares powerful insights on the importance of self-compassion, the process of healing, and how trust—especially in our relationship with God—can lead us to deeper freedom. We explore what it means to let go of control, how surrender can be a gateway to emotional resilience, and the subtle ways control can sneak into our relationships and decisions.

Together, we unpack the impact of unresolved trauma on our discernment, the role rest plays in emotional regulation, and the beautiful connection between emotional and spiritual wholeness. We wrap up with a prophetic word on restoration and a heartfelt invitation to bravely release what no longer serves us.

Learn more about Hannah and her work at horizonspiritualcoaching.com, and connect with her on Instagram @_hannahlwilson.

Is “doing your best” actually just fear in disguise? In this episode, I unpack the subtle but powerful difference between wholehearted living and perfectionism. We explore how striving to be perfect often stems from fear, shame, or a need to prove ourselves—and how living from love, grace, and authenticity sets us free.

From religious pressure and wellness culture to motherhood and Christian performance, I share personal stories and spiritual insights around what it means to stop performing and start becoming. This episode is for anyone who feels exhausted by the pressure to be more, do more, or get it all right.

✨ You’ll learn:

• Key differences between perfectionism and wholeheartedness
• How fear disguises itself as “trying harder”
• The invitation to live under the law of love, not performance
• Why failure isn’t a threat—it’s a teacher

Let’s trade fear for freedom and choose to live from a place of grace, not grit.

🎧 Listen now and take your next brave step toward wholehearted living.

Check out my website: www.ella-hooper.com

Follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella.hooper__/

Follow the next brave thing podcast on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextbravethingpodcast/

In this episode of The Next Brave Thing podcast, I have a heartfelt conversation with Lara Pilcher, diving deep into creativity, vulnerability, and personal growth. Lara opens up about her artistic journey, the challenges she faced while building her career in London, and the transformative experience of becoming a mother.

We talk about the importance of embracing imperfection, staying authentic, and grieving the seasons we leave behind. As we explore Lara’s experiences, we reflect on what it means to live a creative life and the power of self-acceptance.

Lara shares so openly about her journey of self-discovery, what it’s been like to embrace change, and why visibility matters so much in creative work. We talk through those moments of feeling stuck, finding the courage to be seen, and how our dreams evolve over time. Lara reminds us of the role grief plays in the creative process and encourages us all to keep showing up as our full, authentic selves.

Lara Bianca Pilcher is an accomplished Australian actress currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. With a rich background in both theater and screen, she has captivated audiences around the world through her compelling performances in stage productions, films, and television.

In addition to her work as an actor, Lara is also a wife, mother of two, author, and a professionally certified coach for artists. She is passionate about helping performers, writers, and visual artists reignite their creativity and take bold, meaningful action in their creative lives.

Follow Lara on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larabiancapilcher

Check out her website: https://larabiancapilcher.com/