Sometimes you just need a reminder that everyone else is trying to figure things out — just like you! That’s where Circle 31 Podcast comes in. Here you’ll be both challenged and encouraged by women who are eager to make real progress alongside each other.
Join Ellen and Kendra, your book club hosts (and friends!), as they chat with authors and other experts about topics that spark curiosity and help us grow in our faith. Think of this podcast as a book club on the go — perfect for your commute or while you work at your desk. Remember, good things happen when we grow, and there’s so much good waiting for us as we read together, learn from one another, and chat about the current book club pick. Let’s get started.
Book 4, Episode 5: When Retirement Feels Like a Wilderness
This week on the Circle 31 Podcast, Melissa introduces us to someone very close to her heart — her best friend, Denise Hammond. After running a vibrant farm camp for over 16 years, Denise made the difficult decision to retire. But what she didn’t expect was the identity crisis, depression, and loneliness that followed.
In this honest and powerful conversation, Denise opens up about what it’s been like to transition from a full calendar to a quiet house — and how God met her there. Whether you’re in a season of retirement, transition, or simply asking “what now?” Denise’s story is proof that God is never finished writing your story.
You’ll hear:
How to let God make an impact in your life before you try to make one for Him.
What retirement really feels like — the good, the hard, and the unexpected.
Three ways to glorify God even when your days look very different than before.
Click here (https://share.transistor.fm/s/ed4b765a) to download a transcript of this episode.
This is the final episode in our series on Five Mere Christians — but the conversation isn’t over! Don’t forget to RSVP in Mighty Networks for our live Beyond the Pages event with Jordan and Kaleigh, happening tomorrow!
Not a Circle 31 Book Club member yet? Join for free (https://circle31.org/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25) so you don’t miss out. Already in? Log in here (https://community.circle31.org) to connect with others, and share what this book and podcast series has meant to you.
Book club is better when we do it together. Grab your copy of Five Mere Christians, and let’s keep growing (https://www.p31bookstore.com/products/five-mere-christians?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25).
The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries (https://proverbs31.org/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25).
27 Aug 2025
Book 4, Episode 4: Trusting God in Transition
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast, Ellen and Melissa are joined by Ellen’s friend Anna Johnson for a vulnerable and hope-filled conversation about transition, disappointment, and redefining success. From music production to missions work to public school teaching, Anna’s story is full of twists and turns. Through it all, she’s learning what it really means to trust God when the future is unclear.
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next step, or questioning where God is in your current season, this episode is for you.
You’ll hear:
How to redefine success as listening for God and doing what He says.
Why your identity matters more to God than your résumé.
Encouragement to rest, even when things feel uncertain or undone.
Click here (https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3351cf5) to download a transcript of this episode.
Reading along in Five Mere Christians? This week we’re learning from the life of C.S. Lewis — a man whose story reminds us that God can use even our detours for His glory.
If you’re not a Circle 31 Book Club member, join for free (https://circle31.org/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25)to be part of the conversation. Already in? Log in here (https://community.circle31.org), and let us know what part of Anna’s story resonated most with you.
Don’t forget to grab your copy of Five Mere Christians (https://www.p31bookstore.com/products/five-mere-christians?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25) — we’re almost to the end!
The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of (https://proverbs31.org)Proverbs 31 Ministries. (https://proverbs31.org/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25)
20 Aug 2025
Book 4, Episode 3: Finding Purpose Outside of Ministry
This week on the Circle 31 Podcast, Ellen and Melissa catch up with their friend and former Proverbs 31 teammate Jess Collazo. Jess recently transitioned from a ministry job to a more traditional workplace setting — and she's sharing what it looks like to carry God’s presence into a job that doesn’t come with a Bible verse in the mission statement.
With wisdom, warmth, and humor, Jess reminds us that glorifying God isn’t about our job title — it’s about how we show up. Whether you work in a ministry, a school, a corporate office, or your own living room, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged to be faithful right where you are.
You’ll hear:
How Jess is learning to let God use her without having to say a word.
What it looks like to carry purpose into a “secular” workplace.
A freeing reminder for anyone who’s ever tied their identity to achievement.
Click here (https://share.transistor.fm/s/23d5e058) to download a transcript of this episode.
Not a member of Circle 31 Book Club yet? (https://circle31.org)Join for free (https://circle31.org/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25)to access our online community, watch teaching videos, and follow along as we read Five Mere Christians together. Already a member? Log in here (https://community.circle31.org), and share your favorite takeaway from this episode.
Book club is better with a book in hand. Grab your copy of Five Mere Christians (https://www.p31bookstore.com/products/five-mere-christians?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25), and keep reading with us!
The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries (https://proverbs31.org/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=pod-c31&utm_campaign=C31-FMC25).
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