Today I want to talk about something that I have been absolutely loving with my kids this year. It’s the 1,000 hours outside challenge. I want to get into the hard parts, the real parts, and why I truly believe your nervous system is begging you to step outside.

Winter can feel long and slow and February especially can feel like an eternity sometimes. Today I am sharing the daily and weekly rhythms that are working for me right now and how I’m making the most of this season before transitioning into spring.

Alright, the Nancy Ray Book Club is back! It’s time for one of my favorite episodes of the year : my reading list. If you love books, you are going to love today’s episode.

Today we’re talking about something I mentioned last week: unfrumping myself. If you’ve ever felt like you are living in workout clothes and you never actually workout or maybe you generally feel like you look homeless all the time, this episode is for you.

Happy February, friend! Today I am pulling back the curtain and sharing my goals for 2026. There are only eight of them. Some are practical, some are personal, and all of them are shaping how I’m approaching this year. So let’s dive in.

Hello friend and welcome back to Work and Play with Nancy Ray! I’m Nancy, your host, and today we are doing something that I love doing every January which is the State of the Podcast episode. This is where I get to look back at last year, celebrate some fun moments, and also share what I’m dreaming up for 2026.

Well friend, I’ve made it all the way to episode 300 and today’s episode is a Q&A with my listeners. I’m so excited!

Merry Christmas! Can you believe we are here?! This episode is a little different. I am going to be sharing three really beautiful prayers that you can listen to as you’d like this week. One prayer is for the start of the Christmas season. Another is for the preparation of a meal and another is for wrapping gifts.

Today I’m sharing all about my favorite books from 2025.

You may have heard of my Contentment Challenge where I give up shopping for anything extra in my life for three months straight. Today’s episode, I want to challenge and encourage you with four reasons you might consider doing the Contentment Challenge in 2026.

Are you feeling like you need some encouragement as you are looking ahead to 2026? Do you love planning your year or maybe not so much? Do you need a good look at the rhythms in your life that serve you, bring you closer to the Lord, and ultimately help you carry out God’s assignment for you? This episode is for you.

This episode is for the mom who is overwhelmed by all the stuff in your house. All the kids' toys, clutter, stuffed animals, and tiny pieces. I see you. I am you. Maybe you can pop in some earbuds and just be encouraged today. You are not alone. This is part of our duty as mamas to take care of the stuff in our house. You’ve got this!

I’m doing something new today and I have made an episode for the whole family. So you don’t have to listen to this in your earbuds. You can push “play” while you’re riding in the car and listen because this is all about thanksgiving and how we can practice gratitude.

Melody Beattie said: 

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.”

That is what we’re talking about today.

During the week, we work, but during the weekends, we play. Today’s episode is all about seven weekend rhythms that we live by.

My incredible husband, Will, turns 40 today and I am so excited to have him on the podcast! He is going to give you forty pieces of wisdom for his 40th birthday, or as we like to call it, “40 for 40 will Will Ray.”

Today I’m talking about ten ways that I am using AI to simplify my life.

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Share the Arrows which is a conference put on by Allie Beth Stuckey. Today’s episode is a recap of all the things I learned at that conference.

Today’s episode is going to be light and fun. It’s all about my fall favorites!

Today I am going to talk about things that I’m really passionate about, which are three rhythms that I cannot do without every single week. Weekly planning, weekly wrap up, and a Sabbath.

חֲזַק (Pronunciation: kha-ZAK) is the Hebrew word for “be bold.” Today’s episode is five ways to move forward in boldness.