I’ve always loved the week after Labor Day — the kids are back in school, college football is back (#GoBlue!) and we are celebrating my daughter’s birthday. 

But, there’s an extra reason to do a happy dance this week, because the Faith & Calling Podcast is back today, re-launching after a summer break. I know I’ve told you this already, but let me say it again: thank you. Thank you for giving me the grace to take a break. And, thank you for your encouraging messages about how excited you are for the podcast to return. 

I’m raring to go with some incredible guests whose stories you’ll relate to so much. That’s my goal for this upcoming season — stories that will make you laugh, learn, cry and everything in between. Some of the names you’ll recognize right away, others you’ll love getting to know. 

We kick things off with an interview I’ve been trying to land for years: TobyMac, the famed Grammy-winning artist. If you’re familiar with Toby, you know he has five kids and recently lost his son, Truett. He hasn’t spoken about it much, if at all. 

I’ve known about Toby and his musical talents for years because he was part of DC Talk, the music group that quite literally saved my childhood. But, this is the first time I’ve interviewed Toby. I have few words to describe how special this conversation was. 

If you’ve gone through, or are in the midst of a tough season and are wrestling with your faith because of it…you’ll feel so seen and heard by his story. Toby opens up about losing Truett — how he’s a different man because of it, but somehow, he’s a man who still believes. He talks about his new album, Life After Death, and the incredible collaborations with the likes of Sheryl Crow, Tauren Wells and Zach Williams. Songs I’ve had on repeat. And, yes, you read that right, I said Sheryl Crow. They apparently met at their kids’ school…you won’t believe how. He’ll tell you all about it. Click here to listen! 

Before you scroll down for Faris Favorites, NEXT WEEK I have an incredibly exciting personal announcement. You’ll hear about it first via this newsletter! And, no, I’m not pregnant. Ha. Apologies for breaking my every other week email thing, but I promise this will be worth it: you’ll have a chance to win some serious swag!!! 

Have the best week, friends!

FARIS FAVORITES

1. I’m not a pyro, but I do love lighters. Especially these rechargeable, windproof bad boys. Whether I’m lighting a candle or fireplace fire, there’s a reason almost 30,000 people have given these a high rating on Amazon! Plus, they’re affordable. Win-win. Photo via Amazon.com

2. If you like TobyMac, his team has said I can give away a few collectors edition VINYL's of his new album, “Life After Death.” DM me your address 

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I’ll pick two winners!

3. A reminder from a sweet girl named Charlotte that you’re amazing — don’t overthink what you’re being called to in this season. When you feel called to something, just take one step. Do the NEXT right thing. You are AMAZING! But you have to start moving.  

Here's what you missed this week in The CARRY™ ALL, the weekly newsletter BY working moms, for working moms (and the Media company birthed out of my own Called Out story!)

1. Our best tips for a smooth transition back to school.2. A week's worth of recipes that you can whip up in 14-minutes or less.3. A letter to the mom dreading back to school.

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

Loss, Rediscovering God's Goodness & Sheryl CrowI'm so excited to jump back into a brand new season of “Faith & Calling” with a powerful conversation from a raw and rugged place where the unrelenting pain of loss intersects with the unending goodness of God. My guest this week, TobyMac — the seven-time GRAMMY winner, contemporary Christian singer, rapper, songwriter and former DC Talk member, knows these crossroads of heartache intimately. He’s spent the last several years privately grieving the tragic loss of his 21-year-old son, Truett, in 2019. In this episode, TobyMac opens up about the deep anguish that’s changed him forever and the deeper experience of God’s goodness that’s been keeping him afloat. Hear how he poured this powerful testimony into his new album, Life After Death, which includes major collaborations with Sheryl Crow — a surprising friendship born from outside the music industry. We also discuss what he’s clinging to as time marches on, his advice for other parents struggling with the loss of a child and his hope-filled belief on why we all go through painful places at one time or another in this life.Listen Now!