The Unfolding

  What does it look like to trust God when your marriage has been devastated, and you don't know what comes next?  Brad and Heidi Mitchell share their story of walking through infidelity, broken trust, and the long road toward healing. After Brad's affair, their marriage faced a season that felt overwhelming. But in the middle of that pain, God began to do a deeper work, one that neither of them could have imagined at the time. In this conversation, you'll hear how they navigated repentance, forgiveness, and rebuilding communication. Their story is a reminder that even when a marriage feels fragile or fractured, God is still present and still at work. Today, Brad and Heidi lead Build Your Marriage, where they help couples grow stronger in their relationships and faith. They're also the authors of Ruined to Recovery, written for couples walking through betrayal, and Build Your Marriage Through Prayer, a practical guide to strengthening your marriage through prayer.  Show Notes:   Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/buildyourmarriage/  Build Your Marriage Through Prayer book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734158883#  Ruined to Recovery book:  https://www.amazon.com/Ruined-Recovery-Help-Affair-Discovered/dp/1734158824/  Website: https://buildyourmarriage.org/  Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/buildyourmarriage 

    "I knew inside that God was doing something in me and I had to listen to that."  Justin Stuart had built something huge: a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, billions of views, and a successful business with his closest friend. But even with all of that, he began to sense God stirring something new in his heart. In this episode, Justin shares what it looked like to walk away from a life that seemed successful by every measure and trust God with what came next.  Check out Justin Stuart's Blobs books here:  https://davidccook.org/authors/justin-stuart/ 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  What happens when the very thing you believe you were created to do, is suddenly taken away?  Bay Turner (America's Got Talent, Centricity Music) shares a story of identity, faith, and surrender. After building a life around his voice, Bay was told he might never sing again. In an instant, everything he thought defined him was gone. What followed was a journey through anger, doubt, and ultimately a deeper understanding of who he is in Christ, not because of what he does, but because of whose he is.  Bay's debut EP Better Days is out now. This is a story for anyone who has ever questioned their purpose, struggled with identity, or wondered what God is doing in the middle of it all.  Show Notes:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bayturnermusic  Website: https://www.bayturner.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bayturnermusic/ 

John Rhys-Davies, narrator of THE CHRIST, joins us to talk about Jesus, Tolkien, and the deeper story behind this four-part Easter audio epic. Through cinematic storytelling, powerful performances, and stirring music, THE CHRIST brings the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus vividly to life. Learn more at: TheChristPodcast.com

Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic. THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music. From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him. Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christ-an-easter-audio-epic/id1870710176 Or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaFRx79AiROdosDof8FME Learn more at TheChristPodcast.com

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Emmy-nominated actor Tom Pelphrey (HBO's Task, Netflix's Ozark) joins The Unfolding to talk about stepping into one of the most profound roles imaginable. Tom portrays Jesus in The Christ, a new four-part audio drama from Faith Podcasts that brings the story of Jesus to life through immersive sound and a powerful, star-studded cast. In this conversation, Tom shares what it was like to take on a role that is both deeply personal and universally known; from the challenge of portraying "fully God and fully man," to the surprising way certain scenes, like the temptation in the wilderness, began to echo his own inner dialogue. This episode explores identity, faith, and the voice we choose to listen to, and how an ancient story still speaks into modern life.  Show Notes:   Listen to The CHRIST:  https://thechristpodcast.com/  Tom Pelphrey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommypelphrey/  The Christ trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcMlmFZnlKw  The Christ website: thechristpodcast.com  The Christ socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

"With God, no season is wasted, no time is wasted."  Haylee Graham shares how God used one short film, one Bible verse, and one unexpected season to bring reconciliation with her father before his sudden death. What became his final film also became a turning point in their relationship. In this Unfolding Short Story, Haylee reflects on grief, God's timing, and the quiet ways He prepares us for what's ahead.  Here's a link to the short film Haylee talks about: "Planted" Here's a link to Haylee's latest book: Take the Horse and Run 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  Content warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and neglect. Listener discretion is advised.  Mary DeMuth, author of more than 50 books including Restory Your Life, shares her journey from a childhood of abuse and neglect to a life marked by God's healing, hope, and purpose.  Hear how a single prayer as a teenager- "God, would you be the Father who will never leave me?"- set Mary on a path of faith, healing, and ultimately helping others walk through their own pain. She talks candidly about the long, often difficult process of healing, and offers insight into how sharing your story can bring light, encouragement, and restoration.  This episode is a powerful reminder that God can redeem the most painful chapters of our lives, and that your story, no matter how broken, can become a source of hope for others.  Show Notes:  Website:   https://www.marydemuth.com/  Restory Your Life book:   https://www.marydemuth.com/books/restory-your-life/  Pray Every Day podcast:  https://www.marydemuth.com/prayeveryday-2/  Thin Places book:  https://www.marydemuth.com/books/thin-places-2/  Into the Light Bible study:   https://www.marydemuth.com/books/into-the-light-bible-study-book/  The Wall Around Your Heart book:  https://www.marydemuth.com/books/wall-around-heart/ 

  "Lord, please remove this desire to drink."  Karisa Rogers believed in God. She even liked telling people about Jesus. But alcohol still had a grip on her life.  What began as a way to fit in eventually became a way to cope with heartbreak and family pain. After years of struggle, Karisa reached the end of herself and prayed a simple prayer: "Lord, please remove this desire to drink." In this Unfolding Short Story, Karisa shares how God met her in that moment and how her life has been transformed ever since. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dennis Ritter spent decades battling heart disease, living with the knowledge that his time might be shorter than most.  But suffering didn't make him bitter. It deepened his faith. When Dennis' health declined, his family gathered to say goodbye. In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Dawn Ritter and her children, Ben and Karen, share the story of Dennis' final days, the legacy of faith he left behind, and the hope that carries them through heartbreaking loss. They talk honestly about grief, unanswered prayers for healing, and why their faith in God remained steady even when the miracle they asked for didn't come.  Because sometimes God doesn't remove the suffering. Sometimes He meets us in it.   Show Notes:   Books:  Every Moment Holy Vol. 2 Death, Grief, and Hope  https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-II-Hardcover/dp/1951872053     Grieving with Hope  https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Hope-Walking-Jesus-Heartbreak/dp/164507448X     A Grace Disguised  https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Disguised-Revised-Expanded-through/dp/0310363594     When Mountains Crumble  https://www.amazon.com/When-Mountains-Crumble-Rebuilding-Someone/dp/0802425569     Walking with God through Pain and Suffering   https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408     Podcasts:  The Widowed Mom Podcast by Krista St. Germain - https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/podcast/     The Widow Coach Podcast by Karen Sutton.  https://www.karensutton.co.uk/podcasts/the-widow-podcast     A Widow's Heart Podcast with Pam Lundell  https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/a-widows-heart/     Website:   Never Alone Widows - a nationwide ministry to widows.  https://www.neveralonewidows.com/ 

  "There are no winners in what we went through… only Hannah."  Gary and Mari Malychewski share the story of losing their young daughter in a tragic accident. In the days and years that followed, they faced questions of grief, guilt, and forgiveness that few parents ever have to carry. Looking back, they say God had been quietly preparing their hearts long before that day arrived. This is a story about loss, faith, and the difficult grace of learning to forgive in the middle of unimaginable pain. 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dennis died three times. What he experienced while his heart stopped changed the way he—and his family—would live the rest of their lives.  Dennis spent his life trying to outrun the heart disease that ran in his family. He exercised. Ate well. Stayed disciplined. Then one day, without warning, he collapsed from a massive heart attack. His heart stopped three times. Dennis says during those moments he experienced something almost impossible to describe.  It was an overwhelming sense of love and peace.  While doctors fought to save him, his wife Dawn stood in the hospital hallway praying, clinging to Scripture, and surrendering her husband's life to God. When Dennis came back, everything changed. They didn't just get survival. They got bonus time. A deeper intimacy with God. And a new understanding of how God had been preparing them long before this moment.  Show Notes:  Book Dennis mentioned:  https://www.amazon.com/90-Minutes-Heaven-Story-Death/dp/0800759494 

Travis West knows what it feels like to run on empty. Early in his marriage he was working multiple jobs and caring for his wife Mariah through a long illness. A study trip to Jerusalem changed everything. When the city slowed to a standstill on Friday nights, Travis experienced Sabbath rest for the first time. In this episode he explains how that weekly pause brought new life to his family and why he believes Sabbath is a practical gift for anyone today.  Book:   The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight  www.travis-west.com  https://www.travis-west.com/practices 

  What happens to a boy's heart when his father stands a few feet away in church every Sunday, but never really shows up at home? Singer and songwriter Jaye King grew up playing drums on the platform while his dad directed the music. They served in the same services. Created the same worship moments. But outside the church walls, his father wasn't consistently present in his life. That tension shaped how Jaye saw himself and how he saw God. In this hope-filled conversation, Jaye shares about wrestling skepticism, navigating father wounds, and the slow process of discovering that God doesn't leave the way people sometimes do. What unfolds is a story of identity, forgiveness, calling, and the hidden years that formed him long before the spotlight. Today, Jaye King is a singer and songwriter with Centricity Music, known for songs like Hard Places and Falling Into It. His music carries the very themes you'll hear in this episode- healing, hope, and a Father who stays.   Show Notes:   Website: https://www.jayeking.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayekingmusic/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayekingmusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayeKingMusic 

"I've often felt I can be too much, but the more emotive I am, the more God surprises me." Growing up in a family and culture where men were often reserved, Nigel Massenda felt out of place for expressing his emotions so freely. But when his mother traveled abroad for a funeral and could not return for two long years, loneliness and unanswered prayers pushed him deeper into raw, honest faith. Through caring neighbors, silent prayers, and a steady hope, Nigel discovered that embracing vulnerability before God not only shapes our perspective but can transform our very lives.

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  What if the hardest chapter of your life didn't get the final word? Esme Crawford shares the story of how she survived domestic violence, crippling shame, and a distorted view of God; and how faith in Jesus led her into healing and freedom. Esme was born in a small Mexican village and faced many challenges from birth. As an adult, she found herself in an abusive relationship that slowly stripped away her identity, confidence, and sense of worth. She believed the lie that it was her fault. But God never left her. Esme talks about wrestling with shame, learning that God is a loving Father, finding healing in Jesus, and reclaiming her identity as a daughter of the King. If you've ever struggled with guilt, fear, or questioned where God was in your suffering, this episode will remind you that you are seen, loved, and you are not alone.  Content Note: This episode includes references to domestic violence and some strong language.    Show Notes:  WINGS - Women In Need Growing Stronger:  https://wingsprogram.com/  To reach Esme, Send a Direct Message via Instagram WILLOW WLN:  https://www.instagram.com/willow_wln  Additional Resources: Selah Empowers - Pause and find strength for the journey  Metropolitan Family Services 

As a Black Hebrew Israelite, Jasmine spent years trying not to mess up or break God's law, living under strict expectations. After long prison phone calls with the man who would become her husband, she began to see Jesus differently, not as a taskmaster but as Savior. This is her story of laying down a heavy yoke and finding rest in Jesus. 

  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.  If you know the music of MercyMe, then you know the voice of Bart Millard. He's the songwriter behind "I Can Only Imagine"- written after watching his abusive father transform from a monster into a man that loved Jesus.  It is the best-selling Christian single of all time, with more than five million copies sold. With that kind of success, you might imagine Bart was living a life beyond anything he ever dreamed. But in 2004, the year "I Can Only Imagine" crossed over to mainstream radio and became a global smash, Bart and his wife Shannon were being gutted by one life-altering pain after another. Their son Sam was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and that diagnosis came alongside multiple family losses and medical crises that all seemed to hit at once. While MercyMe's career was soaring, Bart was unraveling - slipping into depression, hiding behind touring, and struggling to hold it all together. A new film I Can Only Imagine 2, and book Even If - Trusting God Through the Fire tell Bart's story.      Show Notes:   Official Movie Website:  https://icanonlyimagine.com/  Even If book:  https://mercyme.org/products/even-if-trusting-god-through-the-fire-the-official-book-for-i-can-only-imagine-2  MercyMe website: https://mercyme.org/  Bart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBartMillard  Bart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartmillard/ 

    "I could only pray three words. I trust you."  Scripture tells us that every good gift comes from God. What do we do when a gift is taken away?  Kim Snyder lost the voice she used to sing, speak, and serve God in Christian radio. In the stillness that followed, Scripture led her to a simple prayer, "I trust you." 

Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.    Dr. Henry Cloud is known as a leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries. But before helping millions build healthier relationships, Henry had to face his own unhealed trauma and depression. In this episode of The Unfolding, Henry shares how early childhood trauma shaped his emotional and relational patterns, why depression became a turning point in his life, and how real healing required more than spiritual platitudes or performance-based faith. Through therapy, honest community centered on Jesus, and Scripture lived out in practice, Henry discovered freedom that transformed how he loves, leads, and relates to God. This conversation explores the intersection of faith and mental health, why "performing your way out of pain" doesn't work, and how God meets us not with formulas, but with His presence. Dr. Henry Cloud's newest book is To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are.  Show Notes:  Website: https://www.drcloud.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/  "To Know Him" Book: https://www.drcloud.com/books/to-know-him  "Why I Believe" Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Psychologists-Thoughts-Suffering-ebook/dp/B0CK8C76LD  Website: https://www.boundaries.me/