The Collide Podcast

What if the biggest things holding you back from counseling…aren’t even true?In this honest and hope-filled episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with counselor Carrie Cochran MA, LMHC, NCC to talk about the biggest myths that keep women from seeking counseling. From believing therapy is only for “serious problems” to fearing it means you’re weak or lacking faith, Carrie compassionately unpacks the lies that keep so many women stuck.We talk about what actually happens when we ignore stress and trauma, how the nervous system holds unprocessed pain, and why your body may be signaling that it’s time for support. Carrie explains that therapy isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about uncovering your authentic self, the woman God created you to be before life layered on wounds and stress.Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, old trauma, or simply feeling “off,” this episode will remind you that you are worthy of healing—and that saying yes to help is an act of courage, not failure.https://wecollide.net/books/collide/Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!Mentioned in this episode:New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtGrab your copy today wherever books are sold.Collide Book

What does it really look like to live out the love of Jesus in everyday life?In this inspiring and often hilarious conversation, Willow sits down with bestselling author, attorney, and founder of Love Does, Bob Goff. Known for his joyful spirit and unconventional approach to faith, Bob shares stories and wisdom about living a life that moves from the sidelines to the field—where love becomes something we do, not just something we talk about.Bob reflects on the power of availability, why influence matters, and how taking a genuine interest in people can transform relationships. Through stories about answering phone calls from strangers, building friendships across the world, and helping others pursue their dreams, he challenges us to live courageously and intentionally.He also shares a powerful spiritual practice of looking into both the “eye of forgiveness” and the “eye of responsibility” in Jesus—reminding us that faith invites both grace and growth.This episode will leave you encouraged to live boldly, love deeply, and take your faith off the bleachers and onto the field.In This Episode, You’ll Hear AboutWhy Bob spends nights at Disneyland giving strangers a shortcut to the front of the lineMoving from watching life to actively participating in itThe difference between controlling outcomes and influencing peopleWhy being available might be one of the most powerful ways to love othersThe importance of taking a genuine interest in people’s storiesAbout Bob GoffBob Goff is a New York Times bestselling author, attorney, and founder of the nonprofit Love Does. Known for his contagious joy and practical approach to faith, Bob has inspired millions through books like Love Does and his global work advocating for justice, education, and opportunity. His life message is simple but powerful: love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do.https://wecollide.net/books/collide/https://wecollide.net/conferences/Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!Mentioned in this episode:New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtGrab your copy today wherever books are sold.Collide Book

What if the pain you’ve tried to hide is the very place where Jesus wants to bring healing?In this special takeover episode of the Collide Podcast, the mic flips as Collide team members Kenna, Kristen, and Michelle step in as hosts to interview founder Willow Weston about her new book, Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt.Instead of asking the questions, Willow becomes the guest—sharing the deeply personal story behind the message she’s been living and teaching for years. From childhood wounds and the fear of telling her story, to the moment she realized unhealed pain can shape the way we love others, Willow opens up about the journey that led to writing this book.Through years of ministry walking alongside women, she has witnessed how Jesus meets us in the hardest places of our stories—and how healing begins when we finally stop hiding our pain.Whether you’re carrying wounds from long ago or navigating something painful right now, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to walk through it alone.Meet Willow WestonWillow Weston is the founder of Collide, a ministry devoted to helping women experience healing through honest conversations about pain and faith. She is the author of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt. For years, Willow has walked alongside women through classes, conferences, and mentoring—inviting them to bring their real stories to Jesus and experience His healing presence.In This Episode, You’ll LearnThe powerful story behind Willow’s new book CollideWhy facing our wounds is the first step toward real healingHow sharing our stories can bring freedom and healing to othersWhat Willow has witnessed God do in the lives of women through the Collide ministryHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever wondered whether your pain is too messy, too old, or too small for God to care about, this episode will remind you that healing is possible. As Willow shares both her story and the stories of women she’s walked alongside, you’ll be encouraged to bring your own wounds to Jesus—and discover how He can transform pain into purpose.https://wecollide.net/books/collide/http://store.wecollide.netFollow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!Mentioned in this episode:New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtGrab your copy today wherever books are sold.Collide Book

Have you slowly disappeared inside motherhood and wondering how to find yourself again?In this honest and empowering episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Alli Worthington to talk about what happens when moms lose themselves while raising their children. Alli shares about the silent resentment that can build when women never advocate for their own needs, the fear of being “selfish,” and why so many good moms secretly feel like they’re failing.From the “Aunt Shirley” syndrome of over-giving to the emotional crash of the empty nest season, Alli offers practical wisdom on how to remain who God created you to be — even in the thick of carpool lines, laundry piles, and late-night worry.Whether you’re exhausted with little ones, overwhelmed in the teenage years, or staring down a new season of transition, this episode will remind you that you are still called, still valuable, and still becoming.Meet Alli WorthingtonAlli Worthington is a bestselling author, speaker, business coach, and host of The Alli Worthington Show. She has written multiple books, including Remaining You While Raising Them, and has spent years coaching women in life and business. A mom of five boys and a passionate advocate for women’s emotional and spiritual health, Alli is dedicated to helping women break free from burnout, guilt, and limiting beliefs so they can step fully into their God-given calling.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to recognize the signs that you’ve lost yourself in motherhoodWhy the fear of being selfish keeps so many moms stuckThe “magic question” every woman should ask herself dailyHow to navigate transitions (like kids going to kindergarten or college) without losing your groundingWhat to do when mom guilt feels overwhelmingHow to discern between God’s conviction and the enemy’s shameWhy modeling self-worth teaches your kids their worthHow This Episode Will Encourage YouThis conversation will help you release unrealistic expectations, quiet the voice of shame, and embrace a healthier, more joyful version of motherhood. You’ll be reminded that you don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom — and that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential.If you’ve been gritting your teeth and telling everyone you’re “fine,” this episode is your permission to breathe, reset, and remember who you are.https://wecollide.net/books/collide/Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!Mentioned in this episode:New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtGrab your copy today wherever books are sold.Collide Book

What do you do when the miracle you’ve prayed for never comes?In this honest and powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Wojo to talk about praying through heartbreak, anger, and unimaginable loss. After walking through 22 years of caring for her daughter Taylor, who suffered from a rare metabolic disorder known as Sanfilippo syndrome, Rachel faced every parent’s worst fear—and found that God was still present in the pain.She shares about the years of pleading with God for healing, and the raw anger she brought to Him in prayer. Whether you’re navigating grief, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or wondering if God is still good in the middle of your circumstances, this episode will remind you that your prayers are not in vain—and that sometimes the miracle is a transformed heart.Meet Rachel WojoRachel Wojo is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of Untangling Prayer Podcast. After caring for her daughter Taylor for 22 years through a rare degenerative disorder, Rachel became passionate about helping others experience God’s presence in suffering. Through her new book Desperate Prayers, she encourages women to bring every emotion—anger, confusion, heartbreak—honestly before the Lord. Her story is a powerful testimony of faith refined through grief.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why it’s okay to bring your anger and “why” questions to GodHow God often changes our hearts even when He doesn’t change our circumstancesWhat it looks like to experience a miracle that doesn’t match your expectationsHow helping others in their pain can actually accelerate your own healingHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt disappointed by God… if grief catches you off guard in the middle of Target… if you’re afraid you’ll forget how much you need Him when life feels “good” again, this conversation will gently call you back to truth.You’ll be reminded that suffering can tether you to Jesus, that desperate prayers are an invitation into deeper intimacy, and that nothing—not height, depth, grief, or unanswered prayers—can separate you from the love of God.https://wecollide.net/books/collide/Connect with Rachel - WebsiteFollow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!Mentioned in this episode:New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtGrab your copy today wherever books are sold.Collide Book

What do you do when life changes in an instant—and you’re left holding grief while still caring for others?In this deeply compassionate episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Clarissa Moll, grief advocate, author, and widow, to talk honestly about loss, parenting through grief, and finding hope when the future feels unrecognizable. After the sudden death of her husband while raising four young children, Clarissa learned firsthand how isolating grief can be—and how essential community, faith, and honesty are in the healing process.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why grief is not something we “get over,” but something we learn to carryHow children experience and re-experience grief at different stages of lifeThe difference between healthy and unhealthy compartmentalization in parentingWhy fixing grief doesn’t help—but presence doesHow to support grieving children without overwhelming themWhat it looks like to ask for help when you’re exhausted and hurtingHow faith can survive honest questions, anger, and lamentWhy hope isn’t found in pretending pain doesn’t exist—but in trusting God within itClarissa also shares powerful insights on memory sharing, community support, and how grief and joy can coexist—reminding us that suffering does not get the final word.If you’re navigating loss, walking alongside a grieving child, or wrestling with faith after heartbreak, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but learning how to live again.About Our Guest:Clarissa Moll is a grief advocate, speaker, and author who specializes in helping individuals and families find hope after loss. She is the author of four books on grief and faith and has created bereavement resources for parents and children navigating loss together. Clarissa is passionate about helping people move from survival to flourishing—without minimizing their pain.How This Episode Will Encourage YouThis episode offers compassionate grief support, practical tools for parenting through grief, and faith-filled hope for anyone navigating the loss of a loved one. You’ll walk away feeling seen, equipped, and reminded that even in deep sorrow, God meets us with tenderness, truth, and healing.Connect with Clarissa - Website | Instagram | SubstackConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookOrder Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!Mentioned in this episode:New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtGrab your copy today wherever books are sold.Collide BookJoin us in Portland!Join us for our upcomming Collide Conference for Women in Portland! Get your tickets today!Collide Conference for Women

What if your darkest chapter wasn’t the end of your story—but the beginning of something new?In this honest and hope-filled episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Leeana Tankersley to talk about what it looks like to hope in the middle of devastation, rebuild when life falls apart, and welcome new possibilities after loss, disappointment, or unraveling. Leeana shares wisdom from her own journey as a writer and woman of faith, inviting us to release our grip on hoping for specific outcomes and instead learn how to hope in God—especially when the future feels uncertain.Whether you’re walking through your darkest chapter, piecing your life back together, or standing on the edge of something unknown, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: beginning again is holy work, and you’re not behind.Meet LeeanaLeeana Tankersley is a writer, editor, university writing professor, and the author of six books including Brazen, Breathing Room, Begin Again, and Hope Anyway. With two English degrees and over two decades of experience in faith-centered storytelling, Leeana helps women step out of hiding, reclaim their voice, and live fully. Her work has been featured in CNN, Huffington Post, and Publishers Weekly. She lives in Central Virginia with her three teenagers and her mischievous Labradoodle, Rosie.In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow to hold hope in the face of your darkest chapterWhat rebuilding your life can look like after everything falls apartWhy letting go of hoping for can open the door to hoping inHow to welcome new possibilities when the future feels fragileWhy beginning again is not failure—but faithHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf your life feels like it’s in pieces—or you’re wondering how to keep going when hope feels thin—this episode will meet you with compassion and clarity. You’ll be reminded that God is still at work, even here, and that no matter how many times your story has been rewritten, always, we begin again.Connect with Leeana - Website | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

How can you build a happy, healthy life while navigating complicated family relationships—and still set boundaries that honor your well-being?In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with therapist Greg Fischer, PhD to talk about navigating complex family dynamics and setting healthy boundaries. Greg helps us unpack the unspoken roles, patterns, and scripts many of us inherit within our families—and how those dynamics impact our relationships as adults. Whether you’re navigating ongoing conflict, wrestling with forgiveness, or discerning when boundaries are necessary, this episode will remind you that healing is possible and clarity brings freedom.Meet Greg Fischer, PhDGreg is a licensed therapist, assistant professor of clinical psychology at George Fox University, and former pastor with a deep understanding of family systems and relational healing. He holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings both clinical expertise and pastoral wisdom into conversations around conflict, repair, and reconciliation. Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families move toward health, honesty, and sustainable connection.In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow to take inventory of your family dynamics and relational patternsHow to recognize inherited roles and scripts that shape your behaviorWhether repair is possible after relational harm—and what it can look likeThe difference between forgiveness and reconciliationWhen boundaries are necessary and how to implement them wellThe best ways to address conflict with a family member in a healthy, grounded wayHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt stuck in painful family patterns or unsure how to move forward without causing more harm, this episode will offer clarity, language, and practical tools. You’ll be reminded that setting boundaries is not unloving, repair takes wisdom, and you are allowed to pursue peace without abandoning yourself.Partner with UsLove what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.💛 Give today online or VenmoLearn more about Greg and his work - WebsiteConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if faith was never meant to be complicated?In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Kelsey Jenney, a longtime Young Life staff member, speaker, and certified Spiritual Director, to talk about what it looks like to keep our relationship with God simple - especially in seasons when prayers feel unanswered and hope feels hard to hold. Through meaningful conversation (and a little talk about guacamole, hummus, and peanut butter), we explore what it looks like to welcome God into the ache, practice the ministry of presence, and rest in a faith rooted in relationship rather than striving. Whether you’re weary, questioning, or longing for deeper connection, this episode will remind you that God is near—and simplicity can be sacred.Meet Kelsey JenneyKelsey is a longtime Young Life staff member with over 20 years of ministry experience, currently serving in disability ministry through Young Life Capernaum while also traveling, speaking, and hosting retreats. She is a certified Spiritual Director and is pursuing a Master’s in Spiritual Formation at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Kelsey is passionate about prayer, spiritual formation, and creating space for authentic encounters with God rooted in presence rather than performance.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy keeping the gospel simple matters in real lifeA mantra to hold onto when prayers feel unansweredHow to hold hope in the ache without rushing past painWhat the ministry of presence looks like in everyday faithHow imaginative prayer and spiritual consent invite deeper connection with GodAll the Best – Connect with Jesus and find peace through guided reflections on Mary and Martha’s story, helping you overcome distraction, worry, and comparison.Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.Connect with Jenny - Website | InstagramConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What would it look like to renew your mind by allowing God to meet you in the thoughts you’ve been struggling to change on your own?In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with therapist Emily Weidlich, MA, LPC to talk about reframing negative thought patterns as we step into a new year. Emily shares how our internal narratives are often shaped by past experiences—and how, with compassion and curiosity, we can begin to understand and gently challenge those thoughts. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and self-compassion, she offers practical insight into noticing what we think, naming what we feel, and responding to ourselves with grace. Whether you’re feeling stuck in cycles of self-criticism, longing for emotional clarity, or hoping to start the year with intention, this episode will remind you that change begins with awareness and kindness toward yourself.Meet Emily WeidlichEmily is a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in counseling from Western Seminary and a psychology degree from Multnomah University. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she brings a grounded, relational approach to therapy that helps clients better understand their stories and inner world. Emily is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where people can process the past, identify their needs, and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and responding to life.In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow to recognize and reframe negative thought patterns without shameWhy understanding your past can bring freedom in your presentThe connection between thoughts, emotions, and unmet needsHow self-compassion can transform the way you relate to yourselfPractical ways to approach the new year with intention rather than pressureHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts or frustrated by patterns you can’t seem to break, this episode will help you feel seen and supported. You’ll be reminded that healing doesn’t require perfection—just honesty, curiosity, and compassion—and that you’re allowed to move forward with grace, one thought at a time.Connect with Emily - WebsiteConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookOrder Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if the small habits you practice every day are shaping your faith and health more than the big moments ever could?In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Justin Whitmel Earley to talk about how intentional habits and spiritual rhythms can lead to healing, clarity, and deeper connection with Jesus in the midst of a distracted world. Justin shares about recognizing what our bodies are telling us, the power of small habit shifts, and how spiritual disciplines shape not only our faith—but our mental and emotional health. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by busyness, longing for healthier rhythms, or craving a more grounded spiritual life, this episode will remind you that meaningful transformation often begins with simple, faithful practices.Meet Justin Whitmel EarleyJustin is a lawyer, author, speaker, and dad of four boys based in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People, books that explore spiritual formation, family rhythms, and the deep human need for connection. Justin is passionate about helping people build grace-filled habits that anchor their lives in Jesus, even amid chaos and digital overwhelm. His story is a powerful example of how ordinary practices can form extraordinary faith.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy your habits play a critical role in your spiritual, mental, and physical healthHow to listen to what your body is telling you instead of pushing through exhaustionThe transformative power of small, sustainable habit shiftsHow spiritual disciplines can positively impact mental health and emotional resilienceWhy healing and formation often begin with simple daily rhythmsHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt stretched thin, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by the noise of daily life, this episode will offer practical hope and a gentle invitation to slow down. You’ll be reminded that God meets you in the small, faithful rhythms of everyday life—and that healing doesn’t require perfection, just intentional presence with Jesus.Connect with Justin - Website | Instagram | The Common RuleConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

Where do you go when God feels distant—even though everyone says He’s “with you”?In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Bob Marvel to talk about the deeply personal and sometimes confusing reality of Immanuel—God with us. Bob shares about seasons when God felt hard to sense, dismantling the myth that pastors have a “fast pass” to God. Through stories, theology, and lived experience, he offers insight on God’s nearness, spiritual dryness, false assumptions about faith, and how to meet God where you actually are—not where you think you should be. Whether you’re longing for God, walking through doubt, or feeling spiritually hungry, this episode will remind you that God has not moved—and He is closer than you think.Meet Pastor Bob MarvelPastor Bob Marvel has served as Senior Pastor of Cornwall Church for nearly 30 years and comes from a third-generation ministry family. A passionate teacher and shepherd, Bob has helped shape countless lives through his honest, Scripture-rooted approach to faith. His life and leadership reflect a deep love for Jesus, the local church, and helping people encounter a God who is truly present.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy God can feel distant even when Scripture promises He is nearThe myths we believe about who God is “with”—and who He isn’tWhy pastors don’t have a closer connection to God than anyone elseHow Jesus revealed God’s nearness to the overlooked and unlikelyWhere to look for God when you feel spiritually dry or desperatePractical ways to move toward God when you don’t even know where to startHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt like God must be disappointed in you, far from you, or accessible to everyone but you, this episode will gently reframe everything you think you know about His presence. You’ll be reminded that God does not wait for you to get it together—He draws near right where you are, offering love, hope, and Himself.Love this episode? Partner with Us!Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.💛 Give today online or VenmoConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

How do you hold on to hope when grief feels overwhelming—especially during the holidays?In this honest and powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Doug and Laurie Bunnell to talk about walking through profound loss and choosing hope in the midst of deep grief. They vulnerably share about their experience with unimaginable loss and how God has met them in their pain, offering insights on grief, faith, resilience, and hope—particularly during the Christmas season. Whether you’re navigating loss, carrying quiet sorrow, or entering the holidays with a heavy heart, this episode will remind you that hope can still be found, even in the darkest moments.Meet Doug and Laurie BunnellDoug Bunnell is a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham, WA and Laurie Bunnell is a Preschool Director. Together, they are deeply committed to loving and serving people with compassion and authenticity. Their story is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness in suffering and the courage it takes to keep trusting Him through grief.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat it looks like to walk honestly through grief without rushing healingHow faith can be stretched—and strengthened—through devastating lossWhy hope is still possible, even when circumstances don’t changeHow to navigate the holidays while carrying griefHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever faced loss that feels impossible to carry—especially during a season meant for joy—this episode will offer comfort, permission to grieve honestly, and hope that you are not alone. You’ll be reminded that God meets us in our sorrow and gently invites us to keep going, one faithful step at a time.Partner with UsLove what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.💛 Give today online or VenmoShop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus.🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide ShopConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if the stories of people who have died and come back could reshape the way you understand God, heaven, and your purpose on earth?In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with pastor and author John Burke to explore the mysteries of near-death experiences (NDEs) and what they reveal about the God of the Bible. John shares how three decades of studying more than 1,000 NDEs—and personally interviewing people from every continent—has strengthened his faith and pointed consistently to a God of captivating love. Whether you’re navigating grief, wrestling with doubt, or longing to better understand eternity, this conversation will remind you that God is closer, kinder, and more glorious than you ever imagined.Meet John BurkeJohn is the founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, a multisite church that has grown to more than 4,500 people since its launch in 1998. He is also the president of Gateway Leadership Initiative, equipping church planters and everyday Christians to “raise the church out of the culture.” John is a New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and has written several influential books, including No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and his newest work, Imagine the God of Heaven. He is passionate about helping people discover the real God revealed through Scripture and confirmed through thousands of NDEs. His story is a powerful example of curiosity transformed into calling.Connect with John - Website | InstagramIn This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat near-death experiences really are—and why they matterThe surprising commonalities people report across countries, cultures, and faith backgroundsHow NDEs align with what Scripture teaches about heaven, God, and life after deathThe personal story of how John went from agnostic engineer to follower of JesusWhat convinced him that these experiences cannot be explained by drugs, dreams, or hallucinationsHow these accounts can strengthen your hope, shape your faith, and transform your view of eternityHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever feared death, questioned God’s goodness, or longed for assurance about your loved ones, this episode will offer hope-filled perspective. You’ll be reminded that God’s love is more personal, powerful, and present than you think—and that eternity is far more real and beautiful than you’ve imagined.Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.Partner with UsLove what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.💛 Give today online or VenmoConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if pursuing what is lovely could transform every part of your life?In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Jenn Johnson to explore her journey as a worship leader, songwriter, author, and mom. Jenn shares about her early love for music, how her faith became her own, and the stories behind some of her most beloved songs, including a personal love song written to Jesus. She also talks about her book All Things Lovely and how choosing what is true, pure, and praiseworthy can impact your home, heart, health, and hospitality. Whether you’re navigating your own spiritual journey, creative pursuits, or family life, this episode will encourage you to live more intentionally and beautifully.Meet Jenn JohnsonJenn Johnson is an American worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and author, best known as the co-founder and President of Bethel Music and its Worship School in Redding, California. Alongside her husband, Brian Johnson, she serves as senior worship pastor at Bethel Church. Jenn has co-written songs that are sung worldwide, including Goodness of God, You’re Gonna Be OK, and God I Look to You. She is also the author of All Things Lovely and founder of the lifestyle brand Lovely by Jenn Johnson, which inspires women toward holistic health and intentional living. Jenn and Brian live in Redding with their five children, including two adopted children who inspired some of her songwriting.In This Episode, You’ll LearnJenn’s musical roots and early dreams of worshipHow her faith became her own and shaped her life and ministryThe inspiration and core message behind her book All Things LovelyHer favorite love song written to Jesus and what it reveals about worshipPractical ways to pursue beauty, wholeness, and grace in your home, heart, health, and hospitalityHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by busyness, perfectionism, or the demands of life, this episode will inspire you to slow down, embrace what is lovely, and cultivate intentional rhythms. You’ll be reminded that worship isn’t just about music—it’s a lifestyle of beauty, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion to God.Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus.🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide ShopConnect with Jenn - Website | Spotify | All Things Lovely BookConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if “I’m sorry” isn’t enough?In this thought-provoking episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Thomas to talk about how to give and receive apologies that actually heal. Together, we unpack the power of restoration through meaningful apologies, explore why forgiveness is essential to our faith, and learn how understanding The 5 Apology Languages™ can completely transform how we mend relationships. Whether you’re longing to repair a friendship, rebuild trust in your marriage, or simply communicate better with the people you love, this conversation will remind you that grace and humility can turn brokenness into healing.Meet Dr. ThomasDr. Jennifer Thomas is a best-selling author, psychologist, and sought-after speaker who has spent decades helping people navigate the beautiful and sometimes messy work of relationships. She co-authored The 5 Apology Languages™ with Dr. Gary Chapman, creator of The 5 Love Languages®, and is one of a handful of approved presenters for his global teaching series. Through her research and writing, Dr. Thomas equips individuals, couples, and organizations to communicate more effectively, repair broken trust, and extend forgiveness rooted in biblical truth.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy “I’m sorry” often isn’t enough to repair broken relationshipsThe 5 Apology Languages™ and how to identify your ownHow to ask for and offer forgiveness in ways that build true reconciliationWhat Scripture teaches about humility, confession, and gracePractical steps to turn hurt into healing and conflict into connectionHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever struggled to move past hurt, wished someone’s apology felt more genuine, or wondered how to forgive when it feels impossible, this episode will offer hope and clarity. You’ll be reminded that God calls us not just to say the right words—but to live out forgiveness that restores hearts and rebuilds trust.Partner with UsLove what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.💛 Give today online or VenmoConnect with Dr. Thomas - WebsiteConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if the way to heal our divided world starts with simply walking with people?In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Whittaker to talk about what it means to truly connect with others—even when we don’t see eye to eye. Carlos shares his passion for bringing hope and humanity to the forefront of our conversations and challenges us to live out empathy in action. From stories of kindness sparked by his “Instafamilia” to moments of faith and vulnerability that have shaped his journey, Carlos reminds us that walking with people in love and grace can change lives—ours included.Meet Carlos WhittakerCarlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker on a mission to bring hope to humans everywhere. Known for his authenticity and compassion, Carlos has built a massive online community that rallies around doing good and living connected. Whether he’s writing best-selling books, leading meaningful conversations, or dancing to Beyoncé with his family in Nashville, Carlos brings joy and purpose to everything he does. His motto—“Don’t stand on issues, walk with people”—beautifully captures his heart for unity and understanding in a divided world.In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow walking with people (not standing on issues) can transform relationshipsWhy empathy is the key to healing our communitiesThe power of showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortableHow faith fuels Carlos’s passion for connection and hopePractical ways to bring more kindness and courage into everyday life.How This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt weary from the world’s division or unsure how to make a difference, this episode will lift your spirit and renew your sense of purpose. You’ll be reminded that the greatest impact often begins with one small act of love—and that when we choose to walk with people, we walk closer to the heart of God.Connect with Carlos - Website | Books | PodcastConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if your “yes” to God changed everything?In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and God Hears Her podcast host Vivian Mabuni to talk about the beauty and bravery of saying yes to God. Vivian shares how surrendering to God’s leading has shaped her story—from ministry and motherhood to surviving cancer—and why the risks of obedience are always worth it. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads, holding tightly to control, or longing to trust God more deeply, this episode will remind you that saying yes to Him is never wasted.Meet VivianVivian Mabuni is an international speaker and writer with a passion for helping others experience the hope and life found through intimacy with God. With over thirty years of ministry experience on staff with Cru, she brings a depth of biblical wisdom and practical insight to her teaching. Vivian is a cancer survivor, co-host of the Our Daily Bread Ministries podcast God Hears Her, and the author of Open Hands, Willing Heart. She lives in California with her husband, Darrin, and their three kids.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat it means to give God your “yes,” even when it feels riskyPractical ways to grow in surrender and trustWhy obedience often leads to unexpected blessingsHow saying yes can deepen your intimacy with GodEncouragement for seasons when surrender feels scary or uncertainHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever struggled to trust God’s plan or feared what obedience might cost, this conversation will fill your heart with hope. You’ll be reminded that surrender isn’t about losing control—it’s about finding freedom and peace in the One who holds it all.Collide Women’s Conference - Join us for a powerful one-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and encouragement to help you pursue healing, purpose, and deeper faith.✨ Learn more and grab your ticket on our website.Connect with Vivian - Website | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if the growing number of people walking through church doors aren’t just seeking community, they’re desperately seeking healing?In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Shaunti Feldhahn to talk about the surge in hurting people coming to church and what we can do about it. Drawing from her extensive social research and deep understanding of human relationships, Shaunti shares eye-opening insights about the emotional and spiritual needs many people bring with them to church—and how the church can respond with compassion, awareness, and practical care. Whether you’re a ministry leader, volunteer, or someone who simply cares about others, this conversation will remind you that the church has a powerful opportunity to become a place of healing and hope.Meet Shaunti Shaunti Feldhahn received her graduate degree from Harvard University and began her career as an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher, best-selling author, and popular speaker. Today, she applies her analytical skills to uncovering life-changing truths about relationships both at home and in the workplace. Her groundbreaking, research-based books—such as For Women Only and For Men Only—have sold more than 3 million copies in 25 languages and are widely used in homes, counseling centers, and corporations worldwide. Shaunti and her husband, Jeff, speak around the globe, helping individuals and organizations better understand and support one another.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy there’s been a surge of hurting people turning to the church for helpHow many churches are missing key opportunities to offer meaningful careWhat creates the gap between people’s needs and the church’s responsePractical ways churches and individuals can become a healing presenceHow empathy and awareness can transform ministry and relationshipsHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever wondered how to help people who are walking through pain, this episode will give you fresh perspective and hope. You’ll be reminded that while the needs around us are great, God has equipped the church—and each of us—to be His hands and feet to a hurting world.Connect with Shaunti - Website | When Hurting People Come to ChurchConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt5 Week Guide to Manage Your Anxiety – Get expert advice from counselors, plus guided exercises, reflections, and tools to help you find peace and trust in the midst of anxiety.Follow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

How do you break generational trauma, navigate motherhood, and still keep your sense of humor intact?In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Melanie Shankle to talk about halting generational trauma and the the realities of momming, and handling emotional ups and downs. She shares about her journey from blogger to New York Times bestselling author, offering insights on building strong connections with your kids, creating safe spaces for them to share, and surviving the rollercoaster of their emotions. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, parenting challenges, or the pressure to “get it right,” this episode will remind you that laughter, grace, and intentional connection are powerful tools in raising kids and breaking cycles.Meet MelanieMelanie Shankle—better known as “Big Mama”—is a New York Times bestselling author, blogger, and speaker. She started her blog in 2006 with funny and heartfelt reflections on motherhood, marriage, faith, and everyday life, and her storytelling quickly struck a chord with readers. Melanie is passionate about encouraging moms, fostering joy in everyday life, and helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with grace and humor. Her story is a powerful example of living intentionally, embracing imperfection, and creating meaningful connections with your children.In This Episode, You’ll LearnStrategies for breaking generational trauma in your familyWays to strengthen emotional connections with your kidsHow to create safe spaces for your children to express themselvesTips for surviving the emotional ups and downs of motherhoodHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will offer practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement. You’ll be reminded that even in the messy, unpredictable moments, you can parent with intention, love, and humor—and that breaking cycles of pain is possible.Collide Women’s Conference - Join us for a powerful one-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and encouragement to help you pursue healing, purpose, and deeper faith.✨ Learn more and grab your ticket on our website.Connect with Melanie - Website | Podcast: The Big Boo CastBook: Here be DragonsConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide 🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!