Episode Summary: "The Line I Won't Cross on Social Media"
Podcast: WHOA That's Good Podcast
Host/Author: Sadie Robertson Huff
Guest: Lindsey Gerk
Release Date: May 12, 2025
1. Introduction of Guest – Lindsey Gerk
Timestamp: [01:50]
Colton warmly welcomes Lindsey Gerk to the podcast, highlighting her popularity and recognition among the team. Lindsey shares her appreciation for being in Louisiana and expresses excitement about the conversation ahead.
2. Best Advice Received
Timestamp: [02:58]
Lindsey Gerk:
"I'm prepared. I know it."
([02:58])
Lindsey recounts a pivotal moment when she sought guidance from her mother-in-law while pregnant and grieving the loss of her own mother. The advice to "just love him and pray" resonated deeply with her, extending beyond motherhood to life's broader challenges. She emphasizes the power of love and prayer in overcoming adversity.
Colton:
Colton relates by sharing his own experience of becoming a mom and the overwhelming pressures he felt. He underscores the importance of feeling equipped and supported, much like Lindsey's experience with her mother-in-law's advice.
3. Personal Background and Career Journey
Timestamp: [05:21]
Lindsey Gerk:
Lindsey details her upbringing in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, within a blended family. She nurtured a rich imagination as an only child for seven years. Pursuing broadcast journalism at the University of Kentucky, she met her husband and eventually moved to Nevada to support him, initially working in news and sports journalism. Realizing it wasn't her calling, she transitioned to entertainment and lifestyle media in Las Vegas, steadily climbing the career ladder from associate producer to show host.
However, the pandemic disrupted her burgeoning career. While managing social media as a side endeavor, she felt a growing disconnect between her authentic self and her online persona. Her husband encouraged her to embrace social media purely for fun, leading Lindsey to create content that felt genuine rather than commercially driven.
4. Spiritual Awakening and Faith Journey
Timestamp: [09:09]
Colton:
Colton shares his reliance on Psalms 127, reflecting on the importance of surrendering control to God. He draws parallels between flying and driving, illustrating how relinquishing control can lead to peace and rest.
Lindsey Gerk:
Lindsey narrates her spiritual journey beginning in 2020 with the birth of her daughter. Struggling with feeling stuck and unworthy, she grappled with understanding trust in Jesus. A turning point came when her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, leading Lindsey to seek deeper faith. Her mother's transformation through steadfast faith inspired Lindsey to open her dusty Bible, resulting in a profound personal revelation and healing.
Key Quote:
"I had to cry out for help... I felt stuck... And God showed me what He had planned for me all along."
([16:10])
Lindsey emphasizes the significance of releasing control and allowing faith to guide her life, leading to both personal healing and a strengthened relationship with God.
5. Managing Social Media and Personal Boundaries
Timestamp: [30:02]
Colton:
He discusses the challenges and fears associated with sharing one's faith on social media, highlighting the importance of authenticity and vulnerability.
Lindsey Gerk:
Lindsey explains her strategic approach to sharing her faith online. Initially driven by the desire to share her healing experiences, she carefully discerns when and how to incorporate her spiritual journey into her content. She avoids using her faith solely for garnering likes or followers, ensuring that her shared moments are genuine and meaningful.
Key Quote:
"I didn't want to use experiences with the Lord as a means to... gain likes or follows."
([31:57])
Lindsey stresses the importance of timing and sincerity in her social media presence, ensuring that her faith-sharing aligns with her personal experiences rather than external pressures.
6. Family and Marriage
Timestamp: [36:34]
Lindsey Gerk:
She shares the story of how she met her husband at the University of Kentucky, describing their evolving relationship from a long-distance romance to a supportive partnership. Both Lindsey and her husband Christian found their faith in Jesus post-marriage, strengthening their bond and mutual support.
Key Quote:
"He heard me. He let me talk... I felt like he saw me."
([36:34])
Their relationship exemplifies mutual respect, shared faith, and collaborative efforts in managing Lindsey's social media presence, with Christian taking on roles that complement Lindsey's strengths.
7. Overcoming Challenges and Healing
Timestamp: [49:29]
Lindsey Gerk:
Lindsey opens up about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and the pressures of motherhood. She shares a transformative moment where she impulsively painted a hole in her bathroom wall in frustration but found immediate relief. This act became a metaphor for patching up the emotional "holes" in her life.
Later, she describes a profound healing experience where, after a heartfelt prayer, her symptoms subsided miraculously without any changes to her lifestyle. This experience reinforced her faith and desire to share her testimony with others.
Key Quote:
"He healed me."
([26:44])
Lindsey emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and sharing both struggles and victories as part of her faith journey.
8. Sharing Personal Stories and Vulnerability
Timestamp: [43:21]
Lindsey Gerk:
She discusses the inception of her popular "Get Your Pink Back" campaign, inspired by a conversation about flamingos losing their pink while raising chicks. The campaign symbolized regaining her vibrancy post-pregnancy. Lindsey recounts how collaborating with friends and trusting divine timing led to the campaign's global reach.
She highlights the significance of sharing genuine, unfiltered moments, especially during challenging times, to foster connection and support among her audience.
Key Quote:
"It's not about what you do. And, you know, yeah, he guides you in what you're supposed to do."
([55:41])
Lindsey showcases how embracing authenticity on social media can resonate deeply with others facing similar struggles.
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [56:30]
Colton:
He expresses profound appreciation for Lindsey's authenticity and the positive impact of her storytelling. Colton emphasizes the importance of being real and humorous on social media, making connections through shared human experiences.
Lindsey Gerk:
She agrees, underscoring the balance between sharing meaningful content and protecting her family's privacy. Lindsey highlights the deliberate choices she makes to ensure her children are not exploited for online content, maintaining their innocence and joy.
Final Quote:
"He's always wearing his Gatorade... He just works everything."
([42:24])
The episode concludes with both hosts expressing gratitude for Lindsey's openness and the valuable insights shared on balancing faith, family, and social media presence.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Lindsey Gerk:
"I'm prepared. I know it."
([02:58]) -
Lindsey Gerk:
"I had to cry out for help... I felt stuck... And God showed me what He had planned for me all along."
([16:10]) -
Lindsey Gerk:
"I didn't want to use experiences with the Lord as a means to... gain likes or follows."
([31:57]) -
Lindsey Gerk:
"He healed me."
([26:44]) -
Lindsey Gerk:
"He's always wearing his Gatorade... He just works everything."
([42:24])
Key Insights and Takeaways
-
Authenticity Over Perfection: Lindsey emphasizes the importance of being genuine on social media rather than conforming to unrealistic standards. This approach fosters deeper connections and relatability.
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Faith as a Foundation: Both hosts highlight how faith plays a central role in navigating life's challenges, offering strength and guidance.
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Balancing Personal and Public Life: Managing personal stories and family privacy is crucial. Lindsey demonstrates how to share meaningful experiences without compromising her children's innocence.
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Vulnerability Builds Community: Sharing struggles and triumphs can create a supportive community, helping others feel less alone in their journeys.
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Supportive Partnerships: Lindsey and Christian's relationship showcases the power of mutual support and shared values in overcoming personal and professional challenges.
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Overcoming Control Issues: Letting go of the need to control every aspect of life can lead to unexpected blessings and personal growth.
Conclusion
In this heartfelt episode of the "WHOA That's Good" podcast, Lindsey Gerk opens up about her journey through motherhood, career shifts, spiritual awakening, and the delicate balance of sharing her life on social media. With Colton's empathetic hosting, listeners gain valuable insights into embracing authenticity, the transformative power of faith, and the importance of supportive relationships. Lindsey's story serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming adversity with grace and the unwavering belief that "He healed me."