Honest Christian Conversations

January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing AgainThroughout January, I’m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations—moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.Today’s minisode features a 3-minute clip from Part Two of a two-part conversation centered on repentance, healing, and spiritual freedom. In this episode, I speak with Beatty Carmichael as we explore the power of strategic repentance and how confronting past sin can lead to profound healing and newfound peace, inspired by Proverbs 28:13.Because this conversation unfolds over two episodes, I strongly encourage you to listen to Part One first, followed by the full episode of Part Two, to fully grasp the depth and heart of this message.Whether this is your first time hearing this discussion or a reminder of a truth you’ve encountered before, I invite you to revisit both episodes prayerfully.Sometimes God uses a familiar call to repentance to bring lasting healing and freedom.🎧 Original Episodes:• Can Repentance Bring Healing? — Part One• Can Repentance Bring Healing? — Part Two––––––––––––––Was this episode meaningful to you?Here’s how you can take the next step 👇👉 Leave a comment or write a quick reviewIt helps this show reach the people who need it most.––––––––––––––Other ways to interact with the show:Join the mailing listGet access to monthly prayer meetings and behind-the-scenes updates.Support the show financiallyYour support keeps Honest Christian Conversations going.Submit a prayer requestVisit the website and let me pray with you.Thank you for being a part of the community!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing AgainThroughout January, I’m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations—moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.Today’s minisode features a 3-minute clip from a previous episode centered on breaking free from religious legalism and finding true peace in Christ. For many years, I was personally steeped in legalism, and the aftermath was painful and lasting.In the original episode, I speak with Desiree Taylor, author of Created to Relate, as she shares her powerful testimony of breaking free from the chains of legalism and discovering authentic freedom and peace in Christ.Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or a reminder of truth you’ve already encountered, I invite you to go back and listen to the full episode.Sometimes God uses a familiar message to gently lead us into deeper freedom.🎧 Original Episode: Finding Peace Beyond Religious LegalismBuy Desiree’s book––––––––––––––Was this episode meaningful to you?Here’s how you can take the next step 👇👉 Leave a comment or write a quick reviewIt helps this show reach the people who need it most.––––––––––––––Other ways to interact with the show:Join the mailing listGet access to monthly prayer meetings and behind-the-scenes updates.Support the show financiallyYour support keeps Honest Christian Conversations going.Submit a prayer requestVisit the website and let me pray with you.Thank you for being a part of the community!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing AgainThroughout January, I’m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations—moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.Today’s minisode features a 3-minute clip from a previous episode where I share my spiritual reflections on the Quiet on the Set documentary and the hidden abuses within the 1990s–2000s Nickelodeon studio.Whether this is your first time listening or a reminder of a conversation you’ve already heard, I invite you to go back and listen to the full episode.Sometimes God uses a familiar message to speak to us in a brand-new way.🎧 Original Episode: My Takeaway from the Quiet On The Set Documentary––––––––––––––Was this episode meaningful to you?Here’s how you can take the next step 👇👉 Leave a comment or write a quick reviewIt helps this show reach the people who need it most.––––––––––––––Other ways to interact with the show:Join the mailing listGet access to monthly prayer meetings and behind-the-scenes updates.Support the show financiallyYour support keeps Honest Christian Conversations going.Submit a prayer requestVisit the website and let me pray with you.Thank you for being a part of the community!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As we step into a new year, I’m sharing some significant changes coming to Honest Christian Conversations—and the personal journey God has been leading me through to get here.After a season of deep reflection, conviction, and prayer, I realized I needed to grow in boldness, humility, and love—especially when it comes to engaging with people I disagree with. This episode is an honest look at what it means to let God stretch our faith, challenge our comfort zones, and call us into deeper obedience.If you’re entering this year sensing that God is calling you to grow, change, or step into something uncomfortable, you are not alone. Let’s walk this journey together and allow Him to transform us.––––––––––––––Was this episode meaningful to you?Here’s how you can take the next step 👇👉 Leave a comment or write a quick reviewIt helps this show reach the people who need it most.––––––––––––––Other ways to interact with the show:Join the mailing listGet access to monthly prayer meetings and behind-the-scenes updates.Support the show financiallyYour support keeps Honest Christian Conversations going.Submit a prayer requestVisit the website and let me pray with you.Thank you for being a part of the community!Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As the year comes to a close, I invite listeners to examine whether they are following the real Jesus or an airbrushed version shaped by culture and assumptions. This minisode unpacks true biblical intimacy—being fully known and still chosen—and why Scripture is essential to knowing who Jesus really is. A sobering, hope-filled call to begin the new year rooted in God’s Word.Looking to see how you can discern the true Jesus from the airbrushed? Listen to Phill Tague's episode Has this show been meaningful for you? Here are a few ways to connect and support the podcast:Send me a COMMENT Get exclusive access to the monthly prayer zoom when you JOIN THE MAILING LISTSUPPORT THE SHOWVisit my website and leave a PRAYER REQUESTHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever wondered whether the Jesus you follow is the real Jesus or a version shaped by your upbringing, culture, or personal expectations? In today’s episode, we’re peeling back the filters and confronting one of the most important questions in our walk with God: Do I know who Jesus truly is?I’m joined by Pastor Phill Tague, co-founder of Ransom Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and author of Jesus Be the Centerfold: Choosing Covenant Faith Over Airbrushed Christianity. Phill shares openly about growing up in a legalistic home, wrestling with sin and shame, running from his calling, and realizing he had created a cleaned-up, airbrushed version of Jesus who fit his expectations but not the Jesus revealed in Scripture.Together, we dive into:Why so many Christians unknowingly create their own “version” of JesusHow legalism, performance, and perfectionism distort our view of GodThe difference between happiness and joyWhy surrendering to God often starts with discomfortHow vulnerability breaks spiritual chainsPhill’s book and how it became a journey of honesty, courage, and obedienceThis is a conversation for anyone who has ever felt like they weren’t “doing faith right,” anyone who has wrestled with doubts or hypocrisy, or anyone who senses there must be more to their relationship with Jesus than what they’ve experienced so far.If you’ve ever said, “I want to know Jesus… but sometimes I’m not sure I really do,” this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and invite you closer to the heart of God.Learn more about Phill TagueHas this show been meaningful for you? Here are a few ways to connect and support the podcast:Send me a COMMENT Get exclusive access to the monthly prayer zoom when you JOIN THE MAILING LISTSUPPORT THE SHOWVisit my website and leave a PRAYER REQUESTHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This minisode explores the importance of encouragement for men and how believers can support them well.Heads up: I am not feeling well during this episode (I had the stomach flu while recording), but God showed up and did what he always does: to encourage and equip.Listen to Mark's EpisodeListen to the back catalog of previous men-equipping-men episodes of season five.Has this show been meaningful for you? Here are a few ways to connect and support the podcast:COMMENT on the episodeGet exclusive access to the monthly prayer zoom when you JOIN THE MAILING LISTSUPPORT THE SHOWVisit my website and leave a PRAYER REQUESTHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are the words SURRENDER and HUMILITY cringe words to you?This week's guest, Mark Osborne, is a perfect example of letting go of yourself to find Christ through the power of surrender and humility, two things foreign to human beings, but being the very nature of God. Mark was on top of the world during his fitness journey, until a series of poor decisions threatened his marriage. Through overcoming pride, Mark experienced God's grace and mercy. This episode is designed to support your spiritual growth, focusing on surrender and humility, which lead you to follow God’s will and bring freedom, purpose, and transformation. Listen to The Valiant Forge and learn how to live for GodHas this show been meaningful for you? Here are a few ways to connect and support the podcast:COMMENT on the episodeGet exclusive access to the monthly prayer zoom when you JOIN THE MAILING LISTSUPPORT THE SHOWVisit my website and leave a PRAYER REQUESTHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do we have the wrong idea about silence with God? In this reflective minisode, I explore what silence really looks like when your mind won’t slow down—especially at night. Drawing from personal experience, motherhood, and faith, I unpack the difference between simply being quiet and truly resting in God’s presence.This minisode gently addresses overthinking, mental processing, and the struggle to find peace when thoughts won’t let go. You’ll hear encouragement for both women and men, a reminder that God often meets us in the quiet of our minds, and reassurance that silence with God doesn’t look the same for everyone.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by nighttime anxiety, mental restlessness, or the pressure to “do silence right,” this minisode offers biblical perspective, grace, and practical encouragement for trusting God in the stillness, even when it doesn’t feel silent at all.Listen to this week's episode with Dr. Ioana PopaHas this show been meaningful for you? Here are a few ways to connect and support the podcast:COMMENT on the episodeGet exclusive access to the monthly prayer zoom when you JOIN THE MAILING LISTSUPPORT THE SHOWVisit my website and leave a PRAYER REQUESTHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Burnout is becoming one of the most silent battles in ministry today. Many pastors, ministry workers, and Christian leaders carry overwhelming spiritual, emotional, and physical burdens—often without a safe place to rest. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ioana Popa to discuss ministry burnout, its causes, and how to recognize the early signs before it impacts your faith, health, or calling.Whether you’re a pastor, volunteer, women’s ministry leader, Bible teacher, or simply someone who pours into others, this conversation is for you.If you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or spiritually drained, I want you to know: you are not alone, and you don’t have to stay in this place of burnout any longer.Visit Dr. Ioana's website: https://www.teamforthesoul.comHas this show been meaningful for you? Here are a few ways to connect and support the podcast:COMMENT on the episodeGet exclusive access to the monthly prayer zoom when you JOIN THE MAILING LISTSUPPORT THE SHOWVisit my website and leave a PRAYER REQUESTHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever set a Bible-reading goal, missed a day (or a week), and felt like giving up altogether? You’re not alone. In this minisode, I talk about the difference between setting goals and making decisions—and why that shift can completely transform your spiritual growth.Instead of focusing on perfect streaks or ambitious plans, what if you decided to take one faithful step toward God today? No pressure. No guilt. Just a quiet, intentional choice to show up.Whether you’re restarting your Bible reading or simply trying to stay consistent, this episode reminds you that God meets you right where you are—One step, one moment, one decision at a time.👉 Tune in for a gentle reset and a renewed focus on grace, not perfection.👉 Share this minisode with someone who needs the same encouragement today.Click to listen to Mick's episodeFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

*Trigger Warning* If you get queasy (like I do), my guest's near-death experience is discussed in depth here. Overcoming Pride is not easy to do, especially when you are a punk kid like Mick Wienholt was when he found himself clinging to life after an avalanche nearly killed him. God's mercy and grace were on full display that day, but that didn't stop Mick from being prideful. Mick shares with me the second case of God's mercy and grace during his life: the loss of his firstborn. He shares that the tragedy brought him purpose in suffering and set him on a new path of surrender and humility.Do you need God's mercy and grace today?Check out Mick's podcast FOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Community is more than a group of people you spend time with — it is one of the most vital parts of your spiritual and mental well-being. In this minisode, I talk about what true Christian community looks like, why God designed us to need one another, and how serving others actually strengthens your own heart, faith, and identity in Christ. I even share some personal stories about the power of community in my life. If you’ve ever struggled to find your people, felt disconnected, or wondered what “biblical community” really means. This minisode will encourage you, challenge you, and help you take a practical step toward a deeper, healthier connection.If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who may be feeling alone or overwhelmed. We were never meant to walk this life by ourselves. Listen to Mista Yu's episode nowFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your faith wasn’t meant to grow alone. My guest this week is fellow podcaster and friend, Mista Yu of "They Call Me Mista Yu" Podcast. He comes on the show to discuss the power of community and how it eventually helped him learn how to live for God. Discover how the Christian community nurtures spiritual growth, accountability, and lasting transformation.Check out all that Mista Yu is doingFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this minisode, I’m coming to you from what feels like week 37 of being sick (okay, slight exaggeration, but still!). Today we’re talking about something I’ve been thinking about ever since my conversation with Dan Parr and his brand-new EUR Bible translation:Which translation of the Bible is “the best one”?Listen to Dan's episodeCheck out Season four episodes one & twoFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A new bible translation can set off alarms, and that’s a healthy response. Today, I have an open and honest conversation with voice actor and translator Dan Parr. We discuss my apprehensions about a new bible translation and how God gave him a purpose and calling during a season of job loss. The Easy to Understand Read Bible (EUR) was born out of his obedience, and it's designed to help people know the bible on a deeper level.Dan's Easy to Understand Read Bible translation is ideal for anyone new to walking with God and seeking a simple but accurate version of the Bible. Get the Easy-to-Understand Read BibleFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today’s minisode, I'm talking about something many believers forget: you cannot pour into others if you’re spiritually empty yourself. We love serving, giving, encouraging, and showing up for the people God places in our lives… but who is pouring into you? Are you allowing space for God to refill your heart, renew your strength, and speak life back into you?If you’ve been feeling drained, overlooked, or spiritually depleted, this minisode will remind you that your soul matters too. You are worth being poured into, refreshed, and strengthened.Let this be your permission today to slow down, breathe, and let God bless you—so you can continue blessing others from a place of fullness.Listen to Brian's episode about blessing othersFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if your most profound shame became the place God builds your purpose and calling? Former ski coach Brian Seim shares how hidden addiction shattered his life and how grace and belonging, a Christ centered family, and Celebrate Recovery rebuilt him from the inside out. This powerful episode explores how Christian men can trust God during difficult times, why grace and belonging precede behavior, and how genuine brotherhood breaks isolation and brings about lasting transformation.If you are a man in need of grace and belonging check out Kingdom Family LeaderFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

I am still getting over a cold, so this episode is short but sweet. Please send me your comments or questions about the last episode, as it may have been challenging for you. Tom Snow had some tough pills for us to swallow, and I'm sure it left you with many questions.If you want to leave them, do so below. If you haven't listened to the episode, listen now.FOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When church feels more like a brand than a community, perhaps God is showing us that we need spiritual clarity and should return to the basics. In this conversation with Tom Snow, we explore the importance of spiritual clarity and what happens when believers begin to test everything against Scripture rather than habit. Tom’s challenge is simple but unsettling: what if the real church isn’t built on systems or salaries, but on surrender? This episode calls us to re-center our faith on Christ as the living standard, not institutional comfort, and to rediscover worship that flows from the Spirit, not from structure.Are you ready to have spiritual clarity?Visit Tom's websiteFOR YOU:COMMENT on the episode & get a SHOUT-OUTJoin the mailing list & enjoy exclusive access to the monthly prayer group.Visit my WEBSITEFreebiesSUPPORT THE SHOWDrop a prayer requestBe a guest on the podcastHEARD OF EXODUS STRONG?I’ve been using a biblical and holistic supplement called Exodus Strong, and it’s made a real difference; I’m calmer, more focused, and have more energy than I've in years. See how faith-based wellness can help you find calm, energy, and spiritual balance, too!*This is an affiliate link, a perfect way to support the show while also supporting your health.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.