Finding Something Real Podcast

Happy Wednesday!   We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Joshua Lewis!   If you joined us last week, you heard us dive into deliverance, spiritual warfare, and generational curses. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, we highly recommend starting there before jumping into this episode.   In Part 2, we continue the conversation by exploring the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We discuss prophecy—how to discern when a prophetic word is truly from God, what biblical prophecy should look like, and how to wisely test what we hear. We also talk about discovering and developing your spiritual gifts, especially if you're unsure what they are or whether God has given them to you.   Our prayer is that this conversation brings greater biblical understanding, encouragement, and confidence as you navigate spiritual warfare and the supernatural aspects of the Christian faith.   We’re incredibly grateful to Joshua for taking the time to answer our questions with wisdom, grace, and a heart for the Church. This conversation was a sweet answered prayer for Ana, and we pray it will be a blessing to everyone who listens.   We hope you enjoy Part 2!  About Joshua Lewis:   Joshua Lewis serves as lead elder and teaching pastor for King's Fellowship in Ada, Oklahoma. He has a background in biblical studies and ministry, and has continued his theological development through years of pastoral work, extensive reading, and ongoing engagement with leading Christian thinkers. As founder and host of The Remnant Radio, he has interviewed more than 400 theologians, authors, and ministry leaders, reading their wide array of work.   Joshua married Jocelyn Lewis in 2012, and they have been happily married with three small children. With a background in classical Pentecostal tradition (Assemblies of God), Josh wanted to break the traditional mold of anti-intellectualism that he found so prominent in the charismatic church. Thus Josh live-streamed the first episode of The Remnant Radio in July 2017.   Though Josh no longer finds himself in the classical Pentecostal traditions, his desire to help charismatics bridge the gap between Word and Spirit remains one of his driving motivators as a charismatic evangelical.     https://www.theremnantradio.com/   -- -- -- -- --    LINKS   Can Christians Have Generational Curses? with Joshua Lewis (part 1)   https://www.theremnantradio.com/   Generational Curses, Demons & Deliverance with Michael Miller   God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul & Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   We are so excited for this episode! We are joined by special guest Joshua Lewis and our co-host Ana.   Ana is one of our co-hosts this season, and one of the topics she has been eagerly waiting to discuss is deliverance. It's a subject that sparks a lot of questions, strong opinions, and sometimes confusion within the Church. Along with deliverance, we dive into another controversial topic: generational curses. Both of these topics have played a significant role in Ana's personal story and faith journey.   In this honest and thoughtful conversation, Joshua helps us unpack common misconceptions surrounding deliverance, addresses some of the harm and abuse that have occurred in the Church regarding this topic, and points us back to what Scripture actually teaches. Together, we explore what it means to be set free by Jesus, how spiritual oppression differs from possession, and how Christians can approach these conversations with both wisdom and biblical discernment.   Deliverance is often misunderstood, sensationalized, or avoided altogether. But what if the Bible has more to say about it than we realize?    Whether you're curious, skeptical, or have personal experiences with deliverance ministry, this episode offers a balanced and insightful look at a topic that many believers wrestle with.   Deliverance: to be rescued or set free by God from danger, bondage, or oppression.   This is Part 1 of an incredible conversation that quickly became one of our favorite episodes of the season. Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2!   We pray this conversation encourages you to seek truth, find freedom in Christ, and deepen your understanding of God's power and love. About Joshua Lewis:   Joshua Lewis serves as lead elder and teaching pastor for King's Fellowship in Ada, Oklahoma. He has a background in biblical studies and ministry, and has continued his theological development through years of pastoral work, extensive reading, and ongoing engagement with leading Christian thinkers. As founder and host of The Remnant Radio, he has interviewed more than 400 theologians, authors, and ministry leaders, reading their wide array of work.   Joshua married Jocelyn Lewis in 2012, and they have been happily married with three small children. With a background in classical Pentecostal tradition (Assemblies of God), Josh wanted to break the traditional mold of anti-intellectualism that he found so prominent in the charismatic church. Thus Josh live-streamed the first episode of The Remnant Radio in July 2017.   Though Josh no longer finds himself in the classical Pentecostal traditions, his desire to help charismatics bridge the gap between Word and Spirit remains one of his driving motivators as a charismatic evangelical.       -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.theremnantradio.com/   Generational Curses, Demons & Deliverance with Michael Miller   God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul & Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   Today we are joined by special guest Dr. Tanya Paynter, along with our host and co-host, Ana and Janell.   As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Tanya has the unique opportunity to integrate her faith into her practice every day. Through her work, she has seen firsthand how God's design for our minds, bodies, and spirits aligns with both Scripture and science.   In this conversation, we dive into some powerful and often difficult topics. We discuss the shame and disappointment people can experience when healing doesn't come the way they hoped. We talk about how our thoughts, stress, and emotional wounds can impact our physical health, and why bringing our honest emotions to God is often far more healing than suppressing them.   We also explore faith crises, emotional health, and the importance of creating space for grief, doubt, and difficult questions in our relationship with God. Dr. Tanya shares practical wisdom and biblical insight on how God meets us in our pain and invites us into deeper healing.   Whether you're navigating chronic illness, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or simply wanting to better understand the connection between faith and health, this conversation is full of encouragement and hope.     About Dr. Tanya    Dr. Tanya Paynter is a licensed naturopathic physician, Christian apologist, speaker, and host of The Christian Clinician podcast. She helps women understand how their relationship with God shapes the stress response, nervous system regulation, physiology, and overall health.   Through her podcast, speaking, and her community, the Christian Women’s Health Fellowship, she integrates functional medicine, biblical truth, and apologetics to address chronic stress, spiritual struggle, isolation, and physical symptoms, helping women pursue Christ-centered restoration with functional clinical care.   We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!         -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.psalmmedical.com/   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   We are thrilled to introduce another one of our co-hosts this season, Jeanine.   If you've spent any time around Jeanine, you've likely experienced her joy, kindness, and unwavering love for Jesus. She radiates God's light wherever she goes, but behind her bright smile is a journey marked by deep suffering and perseverance.   For more than 12 years, Jeanine has battled Lyme disease along with numerous other chronic health challenges. In this episode, she shares her honest struggle with unanswered prayers, the pain of waiting, and the difficult questions that arise when healing doesn't come.   Why do some people experience miraculous healing while others continue to suffer? How do we hold onto hope when our circumstances don't change? What does faith look like in the middle of disappointment and uncertainty? Jeanine vulnerably shares her story of wrestling with God, navigating a crisis of hope, and discovering His presence even in the midst of ongoing pain.   This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging for anyone who has ever questioned God's timing, struggled with suffering, or wondered if He still sees them in their pain.   We hope you'll join us for this powerful episode and keep Jeanine in your prayers as she continues her journey of faith and healing.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   Today we're joined by returning guest Rick Allan, along with our co-hosts Sarah and Katelyn.   Rick was once an atheist whose skepticism drove him to take a deep dive into the evidence for Christianity. What began as an investigation eventually led him to discover what he believes was overwhelming evidence for the truth of the Christian faith.   In this episode, we go beyond discussing historical evidence, apologetics, and arguments for God's existence. We explore a deeper question: What happens when the evidence points to Jesus, but someone still struggles to believe or surrender their life to Him?   Together, we discuss the difference between intellectual belief and personal commitment, the barriers that can keep people from embracing faith, and why the greatest obstacle to Christianity is not always a lack of evidence.   Whether you're a skeptic, a seeker, or a lifelong believer, this conversation will challenge you to consider what it means to follow the truth wherever it leads. About Rick:  Rick Allan, Speaker/Author, is a self-professed skeptic and former atheist turned Christian. As an atheist he was attending church services only to support his wife, believing much of what he heard was simply a made-up story. However, he came to realize his belief was apathetic, based only on anecdotal evidence and opinions. So, he began a journey, “A Skeptics Journey”, to investigate the evidence for himself. He discovered there was substantial evidence for both God and Christianity.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.askepticsjourney.com/   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood      

Happy Wednesday!   Today we are joined by guest Melissa Dougherty alongside our host and co-host, Janell and Sarah.   In this episode, we dive into the growing influence of New Age beliefs and New Thought theology — ideas that have subtly made their way into the church and Christian culture. We tackle questions many believers are asking today: Is the Enneagram demonic? Is yoga okay for Christians? Why are so many Christians blending biblical truth with New Age practices?   Melissa helps break down the key differences between New Age and New Thought, exposing how these belief systems can distort the Gospel while also encouraging Christians to pursue discernment and biblical truth.   We hope this thought-provoking conversation challenges, equips, and encourages you in your walk with Christ.     About Melissa: Melissa Dougherty is a Christian Apologist best known for her YouTube channel, where she covers a variety of theological topics. In addition to her theological and cultural discussions, she engages her audience with satirical skits and hosts a range of esteemed guests. Academically, she has earned Associate degrees in both Early Childhood Multicultural Education and Liberal Arts. Furthermore, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from Southern Evangelical Seminary and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Christian Apologetics from the same institution. Melissa resides in New Mexico with her husband and their two daughters.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.melissadougherty.co/about   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   This week we are joined by guest Erin Baumgaertel for a conversation on one of the most foundational — and most misunderstood — topics in Christianity: the Trinity. Together we dive into questions like: Are Jesus and God the same? How does the Trinity actually work? And what makes the Christian understanding of God distinct from beliefs held by groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons? This episode is thoughtful, biblical, and packed with insight to help you better understand the nature of God and grow in confidence when defending your faith. We hope this conversation encourages you and deepens your understanding of who God is.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://ses.edu/people/erin-baumgaertel/   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story   I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Rousselle to talk about her new book "Awaken Delight" and her journey toward Delighting in God. Stephanie once identified as an atheist, and she shares the story of how her perspective shifted in a deeply personal way—moving from skepticism to a faith shaped not just by belief, but by joy, beauty, and delight.   Rather than focusing only on arguments or doctrine, Stephanie invites listeners into a different way of seeing: one where knowing God is not merely intellectual, but relational and transformative. She reflects on the moments, questions, and inner tensions that led her to rethink what she believed about meaning, truth, and God.   Joining the conversation are cohosts Sarah and Katelyn. Katelyn, who currently identifies as an atheist, brings an honest and thoughtful perspective, engaging openly with Stephanie’s story and ideas. Her questions and reflections add depth to the discussion, highlighting both points of connection and real disagreement in a respectful, curious exchange.   Together, the conversation explores big questions about belief, doubt, and what it means to “delight” in something—or someone—you’re still trying to understand. It’s an honest, layered dialogue that doesn’t rush to easy conclusions, but instead makes space for listening, tension, and reflection.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul's Longing for God     https://www.gospelspice.com/   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story   I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   This week we are excited to welcome special guest Mary Rooney Armand to the podcast, joined by our co-host Jeanine and host Janell.   In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of toxic thoughts and the lies that can quietly take hold in our minds. Throughout this season, we’ve been talking about what it looks like to take back those thoughts—especially the ones that feel the most debilitating, like self-hatred, shame, condemnation, and the constant feeling of never being enough.   Mary brings powerful truth and wisdom as she shares the importance of taking our thoughts captive and aligning them with what God says about us. She reminds us that we were never meant to sit in cycles of bitterness, guilt, or unforgiveness—but instead, we are invited into freedom. God is not distant in the process—He walks with us through it. But it does require something from us: surrender.   This conversation is honest, encouraging, and full of hope for anyone who feels stuck in their thoughts or weighed down by lies.   We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!       About  Mary Rooney Armand  Mary Rooney Armand is a Christian author, speaker, and founder of the faith-based platform ButterflyLiving.org, a community devoted to helping believers experience transformation through a deeper relationship with Christ. She launched Butterfly Living in 2019 after a personal season of studying her identity in Christ. During that time, she recognized a tendency to focus more on rules and service than on the love, freedom, and peace found in a genuine relationship with Jesus—an insight that shaped her mission to guide others into spiritual renewal and transformation.   Mary is the author of Uniquely Made: Understanding and Embracing Your Identity in Christ and contributed to the devotional Life-Changing Stories, a collaborative work sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness. She leads small groups, speaks at events, and encourages women through devotionals and teaching centered on Scripture.   With a professional background in marketing and sales, along with experience directing mentoring programs like Kids Hope USA and leading mission trips to Honduras, Mary blends practical leadership with spiritual guidance. She also works as a life coach and holds both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an MBA.   Through her writing and ministry, Mary’s passion is to help others embrace their God-given identity and walk in the “newness of life,” inspired by the biblical image of transformation like a butterfly.   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://butterflyliving.org/about-us/   Uniquely Made: Understanding & Embracing Your Identity in Christ   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story   I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   This week we’re joined by special guest Shelli Strickland, along with four of our co-hosts—Ana, Cailee, Sarah, and Frankie.   Shelli shares her powerful testimony of coming to faith and how what she calls “the gift of desperation” ultimately led her to Jesus. Through reaching a breaking point, she was able to fully surrender and invite God into the deepest, most broken areas of her life.   Her story is one of healing, redemption, and identity. While she’s incredibly grateful for the ways the Lord has restored her, what means the most is knowing who she is now—a daughter of the living King.   We pray this episode encourages you and reminds you that even in your lowest moments, God is working, pursuing, and restoring.   We hope you enjoy this episode! About Shelli Strickland    Shelli Strickland is a Christian speaker, author, and mentor who leads the ministry Graced For More. She is passionate about sharing the gospel and helping others experience healing, freedom, and restoration through Jesus Christ.   Her personal story is rooted in transformation—having been delivered from addiction, bondage, and brokenness, she now uses her testimony to encourage others that God can redeem any situation. Her ministry focuses on guiding people out of shame and into identity, freedom, and purpose in Christ.   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Graced For More   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story   I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   We are so excited to introduce one of our co-hosts, Cailee, on today’s episode!   Cailee is truly a light—she loves deeply, cares genuinely, and reflects the heart of Christ in the way she lives. Though she’s been a Christian her whole life, she opens up about the real and honest struggles she faces—like discerning God’s will and feeling confident in defending the faith she believes in.   In this episode, Cailee shares parts of her personal story, including what it was like growing up with large age gaps between her and her siblings, often feeling like an only child, and navigating life without a close relationship with her dad. Through it all, her story is marked by resilience, faith, and a desire to grow.   You’ll also hear about her friendship with fellow co-host Katelyn, who is not a Christian, and how Cailee has faithfully shown the love of Christ through her actions and relationship. It’s a powerful example of living out your faith in a genuine and impactful way.   We hope you love Cailee as much as we do!     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   We’re back with another episode, and this week we’re joined by special guest Mary Jo Sharp, along with our co-host Sarah. Mary Jo shares her powerful testimony of once trying to disprove Christianity—setting out to prove atheism was true—but instead encountering the truth of Jesus in a life-changing way. What began as skepticism turned into a deep conviction, and now she dedicates her life to defending and speaking on behalf of the Christian faith. In this episode, we dive into the importance of apologetics and why understanding why we believe matters. Mary Jo reminds us that while intellectual answers are important, they’re meant to move from the head to the heart. When both our mind and heart work together, it shapes us to become more like Christ. This conversation is both thoughtful and encouraging, whether you’re wrestling with questions or looking to grow deeper in your faith.   We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!     About Mary Jo Sharp Mary Jo Sharp is a Christian apologist, speaker, and author known for her passion for helping people understand and defend the truth of the Christian faith. After coming to faith in Christ from a background of skepticism and atheism, she developed a deep commitment to exploring life’s hardest questions and equipping others to do the same. She is the founder of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry and serves as an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University. Mary Jo has written several books, including Why I Still Believe and Defending the Faith, where she addresses doubts, cultural challenges, and the intellectual side of Christianity. Through her teaching, writing, and speaking, Mary Jo encourages believers to engage their faith with both heart and mind, offering thoughtful responses to tough questions and helping others build confidence in what they believe.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   We’re back with another episode, and we’re so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests—Brant Hansen! We’re also joined by our co-hosts, Cailee and Sarah, for a powerful and honest conversation. Brant is the author of Unoffendable, a book we absolutely love here on the podcast. He has a unique gift of being unapologetically himself while sharing his faith in a real and relatable way. In this episode, Brant opens up about his journey as a skeptic and how he’s often drawn to outcasts—because that’s where he feels he connects most with people. Together, we dive into what it really means to live in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom isn’t something that starts someday in heaven—it’s available right now. While many believe following Jesus is difficult, we talk about how the opposite is actually true. The cost of not following Him is far greater. The invitation to the Kingdom is right in front of us—if we’re willing to accept it. We hope this conversation encourages you, challenges you, and reminds you of the beauty of walking with Jesus today. Enjoy this week’s episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   www.branthansen.com   https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO4Y5McDc3BX7pQknsiG3WV7TKbb3WaC8&si=2QGmt-q7U7MVT1Fu   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday! 🎙️   This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Adam and Candice Coltman—and we’re so excited to have them with us!   Not only do they bring incredible wisdom and authenticity to this conversation, but they’ll also be joining us in person for a special event this June (stay tuned for more details 👀).   In this episode, we dive into the importance of apologetics and what it truly means to boldly share your faith. We talk about how the Gospel, while sometimes offensive, is ultimately necessary—and how we’re called to stand firm in truth as followers of Christ.   We’re so grateful for Adam and Candice, their honesty, and the powerful insight they bring.   We hope this episode encourages and challenges you. 🤍   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   MAVEN   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!    This week, we’re excited to welcome back Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, joined by co-hosts Ana and Sarah, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on forgiveness.   Drawing from her latest book, Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear, Amy challenges the way our culture often views forgiveness—as weakness, avoidance, or even injustice. Instead, she reframes it as an act of strength, courage, and deep spiritual power. In a world shaped by outrage and cancel culture, this episode explores how true forgiveness can lead to healing, reconciliation, and freedom from bitterness.   Together, we unpack what it really means to forgive without minimizing pain or ignoring justice. Amy shares how forgiveness doesn’t erase wrongdoing but releases the burden of personal vengeance, pointing instead to a greater, ultimate justice. She describes forgiveness as a “superpower”—a beautiful and compelling force that can restore broken relationships, families, and communities.   Whether you’re wrestling with hurt, seeking peace, or simply curious about the deeper meaning of forgiveness, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a fresh perspective rooted in Christian principles.   We hope you enjoy this meaningful episode!     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://amyorr-ewing.com/   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!     We are thrilled to be sharing Sarah’s story this week.   Sarah reached out to Janell around this time last year. She was wrestling with questions and had doubts about Christianity. She shared her story and let Janell know she would love to be part of the podcast. Fast forward to now, she's played a crucial part of Finding Something Real.    Sarah has been a rockstar for Season 8. She is one of the most devoted co-hosts we've had. Sarah's been to most podcast recordings and always comes with incredible questions and wisdom. She shows great humility and grace as she walks through making her faith her own.    Even in just this short year, her faith has blossomed into something beautiful. We are so proud of her and grateful she gets to be part of this ministry. Watching her faith grow this season has been an honor to watch.    We hope you enjoy listening to her story.    -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday!   This week we are joined by Allen Crostic. Allen has been on the podcast before and we are thrilled to have him back on the podcast. Three of our co-host are joining us as well - Ana, Sarah, and Jeanine.    Suffering has been a topic our co-hosts this season are really interested in getting more answers on. Two of our co-host deal with chronic pain and other co-hosts that have someone in their life dealing with chronic suffering or someone who didn't get healed.    Allen has a powerful testimony! He shares his story of getting miraculously healed. He had an encounter with God that he could not deny that he was healed. However, within the last couple years, he started having health issues again.    Now, he’s left wrestling with those hard questions. “Did I actually get healed?” and “Does my suffering have any meaning?”    We are so grateful for his insight on suffering and choosing to honor God even when it’s painful.    This is one of our favorite episodes! We hope you enjoy listening.    -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!    We are excited for our conversation this week. We are joined with guest, Ryan Pauly. And our returning co-host, Sarah.   Ryan has been a believer his whole life but grew a love for apologetics when he realize the people around him couldn't give a defense for their faith. He realized he couldn't give a defense for his faith either and started digging. Now, he dedicates his life to equip individuals and church body to defend Christianity. His goal is to shift the narrative on how we approach people with different beliefs - meeting them with solid evidence and sincere love.    About Ryan: Ryan Pauly is the Founder and President of Think Well, the Director of Immersive Experiences at MAVEN, and an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. For over a decade, he has worked with junior high, high school, and college students as a missionary, educator, speaker, and apologist.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS Think-Well   Maven   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!   We are back with another episode! This week we are joined with guest, Travis Monen. We are also joined with our co-host, Ana.    Travis is a friend of Janell's and shares the same love for apologetics as she does. He shares his testimony in this episode. He gave his life to Christ when he was 14 but completely left his faith when he got to college. He ran away from God for years until he fully surrendered his life back to God and came to the end of himself.   When he stopped running and surrendered the heaviness he felt from running all those years, he was met with God’s love and mercy.   He emphasizes the importance of repentance. Repentance is a gift God offers. It simply means turning from the direction you were going and running towards God instead.    If you’re tired of running away from God, all you have to do is turn. He is waiting to meet you with open arms.   We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!   This week, are joined with our friends from Stand to Reason, Tripp and Megan Almon. As well as our returning co-host, Sarah.   Fitting after Valentine's Day, we are talking about relationships. Tripp and Megan are married and have a huge heart for apologetics. They share their individual stories of coming to faith and how they met. Tripp and Megan talk about some of the challenges of navigating relationships in a Godly way. As well as some of the myths in Christian dating, such as, "Are they the one?" and "God said they were my spouse?"   About Tripp: Tripp Almon serves as the Outpost Coordinator and a speaker with Stand to Reason. He is from Newnan, Georgia (just south of Atlanta) and now lives in Colorado with his wife, Megan, and their kids. Tripp’s passion for educating students of all ages in the areas of Christian theology, worldview, and apologetics is driven in large part from growing up in a Christian home and then struggling profoundly with the tidal wave of cultural ideas that engulfed him as he entered a secular university. Thankfully, his experience taught him that Christianity not only stands in the marketplace of ideas — it soars.   Before joining Stand to Reason in 2025, Tripp, a former elite gymnast, coached gymnastics for more than two decades. He served as a pastor for 10 years and was the Director of the Summit Ministries Gap Year program for seven years. Tripp loves when he and his wife, Megan, get to speak and serve at events together.   About Megan: Megan Almon, a former University of Georgia gymnast, worked as an award-winning journalist until 2008, when she decided to pursue a career speaking and teaching about Christian apologetics — especially in the areas of pro-life apologetics, bioethics and aesthetics. She joined Life Training Institute in 2009 and was awarded an M.A. in Christian apologetics from Biola University in 2011. She worked with Scott Klusendorf at Life Training Institute until 2024 when she began working with the speaking team at Apologetics, Inc. In 2025, she started an exciting new chapter as a Stand to Reason speaker.   Megan and her husband, Tripp—Stand to Reason’s Outpost Coordinator—have been married since 2003 and have two children. Though she was born and raised in Georgia, she and Tripp family spent seven years in Manitou Springs, CO where Tripp ran the Summit Ministries Gap Year program. Megan enjoys spending time with her family on the road (when she and Tripp have opportunities to speak together) and at home in Colorado, and is still known to practice handstands in her living room. She has spoken at high school and college assemblies and classrooms, conferences, youth organizations, women’s groups, pregnancy care centers, congregations, and to legislators both nationally and internationally.     We hope you enjoy this episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Stand to Reason   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story   I Need Jesus to Show Me More with Alycia Wood   Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!   We are thrilled to introduce our next co-host, Christie!   Janell and Christie met earlier last year, and have become good friends since then. We are excited to dive into her story.    Christie attended Wheaton College in Chicago and has traveled abroad to Italy and Ireland. She's been a Christian her entire life. Although, it hasn't been an easy road - there is nowhere else she would rather be.   Christie opens up about coming to a spiritual crisis. She struggles with mental health and has experienced chronic illness pretty intensely. Everything she's gone through has ultimately led her to wrestle with the faith she proclaims.    We can't wait for you to hear the rest of her story!   We hope you love her as much as we do!   - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Are Generational Curses are Real? - Ana's Story   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!   We are back with our guest, Alycia Wood! We had a great conversation with her last week and thrilled to have her back with our returning co-hosts, Sarah and Katelyn.    We discuss the evidence of Christianity. There's not necessarily a lack of evidence - there is plenty of reliable evidence out there. The problem is, it will never be enough.    The more we know, the more questions we have, and the more skeptical we become towards it all.   Katelyn shares some of the reasons why she would not put her faith in Christianity. Sarah, although she is a Christian, struggles with the thought of believing in the wrong thing.    About Alycia As a child growing up in the church, Alycia always had questions. She wanted to dig deeper into the Christian faith beyond the Sunday morning sermon. That fueled an independent search which led to her digging into the larger questions of life. While studying for a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Robert Wesleyan College, Alycia discovered Apologetics. It changed the course of her life. Her quest for a deeper understanding of her Christianity had a name.   She went on to get her Master’s in Social Justice from Marygrove College to further her passion for serving those in need in the developing world. This led to various volunteering opportunities at orphanages, prisons, and shelters for the homeless in various countries including Haiti, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. A few years after her travels were completed, she was able to spend a year studying Apologetics in England.   Alycia spent many years as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher for multiple grade levels. Following, she has spent over nine years doing full-time apologetics ministry where she travels and speaks on various topics relevant to our culture. She is currently with the C. S. Lewis Society in Tampa.   We hope you enjoy this conversation!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS Do the Things in the Bible Still Happen? with Alycia Wood   Those Big Faith Questions with Alycia Wood   What's So Special about Christianity? with Alycia Wood   Reasons to Look Into Christianity with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister   AI Proves God's Existence with Abdu Murray   Are Generational Curses are Real? - Ana's Story   Naturalism Doesn't Make Sense with Jon Noyes     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!   Today, we are joined with our guest, Alycia Wood. We are also joined with co-hosts, Sarah and Katelyn.    Alycia shares how she came to faith. She has always been a curious person and her questions ultimately led her to start looking at the most inevitable question - Does God exist?   Does God still do the miracles He did in the Bible? Why did he stop doing big miracles like parting the Red Sea?   About Alycia As a child growing up in the church, Alycia always had questions. She wanted to dig deeper into the Christian faith beyond the Sunday morning sermon. That fueled an independent search which led to her digging into the larger questions of life. While studying for a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Robert Wesleyan College, Alycia discovered Apologetics. It changed the course of her life. Her quest for a deeper understanding of her Christianity had a name.   She went on to get her Master’s in Social Justice from Marygrove College to further her passion for serving those in need in the developing world. This led to various volunteering opportunities at orphanages, prisons, and shelters for the homeless in various countries including Haiti, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. A few years after her travels were completed, she was able to spend a year studying Apologetics in England.   Alycia spent many years as a teacher’s aide and substitute teacher for multiple grade levels. Following, she has spent over nine years doing full-time apologetics ministry where she travels and speaks on various topics relevant to our culture. She is currently with the C. S. Lewis Society in Tampa.   In her spare time, she is an avid sports fan, musician and grower of all things edible in her garden.   We hope you enjoy this week's conversation!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Those Big Faith Questions with Alycia Wood   What's So Special about Christianity? with Alycia Wood   Reasons to Look Into Christianity with Alycia Wood   Did the Resurrection Actually Happen? with Andy Bannister   AI Proves God's Existence with Abdu Murray   Are Generational Curses are Real? - Ana's Story   Naturalism Doesn't Make Sense with Jon Noyes     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday!    We have a treat for you this week. We are joined with our guest, Andy Bannister. We are also joined with one of our co-host, Sarah.    We had a great conversation about the legitimacy of Christianity and why it matters whether or not the resurrection actually happened.    Dr. Andy Bannister is the Director of Solas and an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Andy holds a PhD in Islamic studies and is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at Melbourne School of Theology. Andy is the author of an academic book, An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur’an, and two popular-level books: The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (or: The Terrible Consequences of Really Bad Arguments), and his latest: Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?. When not traveling, speaking, or writing, Andy is a keen hiker, mountain climber, and photographer. He is married to Astrid; they have two children, Caitriona and Christopher.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Beauty, Math & Human Rights: Clues that Point to a Creator with Andy Bannister   AI Proves God's Existence with Abdu Murray   Are Generational Curses are Real? - Ana's Story   Naturalism Doesn't Make Sense with Jon Noyes     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

Happy Wednesday! We are so glad you're joining us today. We back with one of our favorite guest, Abdu Murray. We are also joined with two of our co-host, Sarah and Cailee.    In this episode, we tackle the topic of AI.    Does AI go against the nature of God?    Does using AI stop our God-given creativity?   Is there anything AI can't do?   Abdu just release a book called "Fake ID" where he dives deeper into this topic.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!   --  Links Fake ID: How AI and Identity Ideology Are Collapsing Reality - And What to Do About It Embrace The Truth Abdu Murray - YouTube ”Was Jesus Raised from the Dead?” Grand Central Question - Abdu Murray Saving Truth - Abdu Murray More Than a White Man’s Religion - Abdu Mu Questions Christianity Answers with Abdu Murray REPLAY: Questions Christianity Answers with Abdu Murray What Happens When You Embrace the Truth about Jesus Christ? with Abdu Murray Christianity: Is it helpful? Is it good? with Abdu Murray

Happy Wednesday!   We are so excited for this week's episode! Today, we are sharing one of our co-host story, Ana!   Ana has been part of Finding Something Real since the very beginning. Janell and Ana met at a small group when she was a senior in High School in 2019. They've formed a beautiful friendship since then.   Ana was born and raised in Chelan, WA. She is currently the Social Media Manager for this Podcast and a co-host this season. She graduated from Northwest University and got her Bachelor's in Business Administration.   Ana is one of the founders of Valley Collective - a moment to unify the Churches in the Greater Chelan Valley. She's involved in many other ministries, including this one, using her gift and talents to build His Kingdom.    Ana loves the Lord with all her heart. It doesn't mean she hasn't gone through anything hard. Her dad had a stroke her sophomore year in High School. He was handicapped for four years until he passed away at the end of 2021. She shares her story about breaking a generational curse that was associated with to her dad's stroke.    She also opens up about her struggle with self-hatred and suicidal thoughts.   Ana's relationship with the Lord is so rich and so deep. If you relate to her story or want to ask more questions, please reach out! Message us - we would love to talk with you!   We hope you love Ana as much as we do!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS I Have Seen the Goodness of God in My Life   You Don't Have to Have All the Answers with Lindsey Medenwaldt   Why People Really Don't Believe in Jesus with Xandra Grieme   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

Happy Wednesday! We hope you’re enjoying the last day of 2025.    We have a great conversation for you this week. Our guest this week is no stranger to the podcast, Jon Noyes. We are also joined with our co-host, Sarah.    Jon shares his coming to faith story. One of the topics they discuss is Naturalism. He shares why he believes Naturalism doesn't make sense and is an easy cop out to complex questions - suffering, death, moral issues etc.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Jon Noyes - Stand To Reason   Eternity: Extreme and & Scary? with Jon Noyes   Suicide, God, and Knowing You're Not Alone with Jon Noyes   You Don't Have to Have All the Answers with Lindsey Medenwaldt   Can You Trust the Bible? with Greg Koukl   Why People Really Don't Believe in Jesus with Xandra Grieme   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace  

It's Christmas Eve! We hope you're enjoying this time with all your loved ones! We have a special treat for you this week.   On this episode, we are joined with a returning guest, Lindsey Medenwaldt. We are also joined with three of our co-hosts - Cailee, Ana and Sarah.   Lindsey breaks down how to share your faith with others. She gives practical ways we can share our faith, and takes the pressure off feeling you have to know everything. A lot of times, as believers, we may feel like we need to know everything for others to come to Christ. But, really it's Jesus that does the work in them, we just plant the seed.   Lindsey is the executive director and resident world religion expert of Mama Bear Apologetics. She holds a Masters in Apologetics & Ethics from Denver Seminary, a Masters in Public Health, and a degree in Law. Recently, Lindsey wrote a chapter about Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Popular Handbook of World Religions (Harvest House). Lindsey and her apologist husband have been married for 13 years and currently live with their three beautiful daughters in Texas. In her spare time, Lindsey loves watching British reality television and reading from her at-home library of over 2,000 books.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode! Merry Christmas!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   Mama Bear Apologetics   Mama Bear Apologetics - The Book   Can You Trust the Bible? with Greg Koukl   Why People Really Don't Believe in Jesus with Xandra Grieme   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa  

Happy Wednesday!    This week on Finding Something Real, we are joined with a very special guest, Greg Koukl. We are also joined with our co-hosts, Sarah and Cailee!   Sarah and Cailee ask Greg really good questions about whether or not we can trust the Bible through translations, interpretations and overall legitimacy. Greg does a great job of answering clearly and with solid evidence.    About Greg: Greg founded Stand to Reason in 1993 and currently serves as President of Stand to Reason. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including The Story of Reality—How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, the U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times. Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!    - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Stand to Reason   Why People Really Don't Believe in Jesus with Xandra Grieme   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   This week on Finding Something Real, we are joined with one of our favorite guest, Xandra Grieme. We are also joined with three of our co-host, Ana, Christie and Sarah.    In this episode, we talk about the tension of faith and science, and how they go more hand in hand than you think. Xandra opens up about hard parts of her story and brings light to difficult topics - suffering and free will. And why that keeps a lot of people from fully believing in Jesus. How could a good God allow suffering, abuse, and evil? That's one of the hardest questions, and one we won't know the complete answer to on this side of eternity.    But you can trust this - He's a God of Compassion. His heart was never for any of these things to happen. He became flesh and came down to be in the suffering with you. That's how much He loves you.   Rest in that truth today.   About Xandra: Xandra Grieme received a BS from Colorado State University and later studied at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Xandra continued her studies at Victoria University of Wellington where she completed a master’s degree in Conservation Biology. Her scientific research includes work in parasitology, flow cytometry, and ecological restoration. Xandra is passionate about educating youth on our role as stewards of the natural world.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!  - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Happy Wednesday!   This week on Finding Something Real, we are sharing one of our co-host's story, Katelyn!    She doesn't come from a faith background and is still wrestling with the idea of Christianity. She opens up about her experience, questions about faith and some of her hesitations about religion in general.    We are so grateful for Katelyn's honesty and vulnerability. She is such a delight. We hope you love her as much as we do!   - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood        

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you're enjoying this time with loved ones.    This week on Finding Something Real, we are joined with Jesse Childress and one of our co-host, Sarah. Jesse and Sarah talk about the tension of not having the all the answers while also being called to release what we do know and let others know how God has worked in our lives.    Jesse Childress has an MA in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Christian University and is currently a student at Denver Seminary studying counseling, focusing particularly on the relationship between trauma and faith. He spent a term studying at Francis Schaeffer's L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and has a deep appreciation for good food, philosophy, theology, and literature. He has written for Summit Ministries, the Anselm Society, Conciliar Post, and An Unexpected Journal.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!   - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

On this episode of Finding Something Real, we are joined with homicide detective, J. Warner Wallace. He has become a dear friend to the podcast and has great insight on making the case for Christ. We are also joined with our co-host, Sarah.   Sarah shares her genuine questions about faith. Even though she is Christian, she still deals with doubt. Questions that she feel we will never fully know the answers to. J. Warner Wallace asks compelling questions to reframe our perspective on addressing doubt and hard theological questions.    J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. J. Warner became a Christ-follower at the age of thirty-five after investigating the claims of the New Testament gospels using his skill set as a detective. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Gateway Seminary.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!     - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood    

On this episode of Finding Something Real, we are joined with a returning guest, Jason Schmidt. Jason's parents were Janell's Youth Pastor's. They had a tremendous impact on her life and now has the privilege of sharing that with their son, Jason. We are also joined with one of our co-host, Ana.   Jason is a High School and Young Adult Pastor in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is currently in seminary, coaches boys soccer, and loves investing in this next generation.    In this conversation we unravel grief. Both and Ana and Jason lost their dad at an early age. Ana asks questions about how Jason handle his grief, if he felt any pressure to step into ministry because of his dad, and some disappointments they experience in the church.    We hope you enjoy this week's conversation!   - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Can Doubt and Faith Coexist with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood      

On this episode of Finding Something Real we introduce our first guest, Drew Berryessa! Drew is no stranger to the Podcast. He's been a guest before and we are thrilled to have him back! Drew has a tender heart and shares his story with such vulnerability in hopes it will impact others. We are also joined with two of our co-host, Ana and Sarah.   In this episode, Drew talks about his story of living a homosexual life style and how Jesus met him right where he was at. He gets real about the questions, pain and heartbreak choosing to follow Jesus brought. He left that lifestyle and is now a fully devoted Jesus follower. Helping people all over the world, equipping them to love others in truth and love. He has a beautiful family with an amazing wife and three beautiful girls.    Ana and Sarah ask questions on - how to practically love others in their pain and sin. And how to share truth with grace, while standing firm to what the word of God says.   We hope you enjoy this week's conversation!   - -- -- -- --    LINKS   https://www.alivingletter.org/   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood      

In this episode, we introduce our first co-host, Frankie! Frankie shows a level of maturity way beyond her years. She is steady, level headed and has a genuine heart. Frankie is Janell's niece. In this episode she shares her story of being adopted, the tension of getting pushback for her faith, believing in Jesus but still having questions, and trying to find where her gifting fit in the Kingdom of God. She shares her vulnerability about her experiences and some of the hesitations she has being a Christian.    This is such a rich conversation, we hope you enjoy this week's episode!   -- -- -- -- --    LINKS   Season 8 - First Episode   Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

And we're back! After taking a few months on break, we are back with Season 8!   For this first episode, I'm joined with my good friend, Katie Dommel, who has been a major help and a huge cheerleader throughout this whole journey. We talk about all the things God has been doing in and through this ministry, and we introduce the young ladies that will be part of this season. We have 8 special young women from all different faith backgrounds that are going be sharing their stories this season!    We hope you enjoy this episode!     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal      

This is the sixth and final episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman and returning cohost, Dagmar from The Netherlands. This episode is with special guest, Craig Hazen.   Dagmar has co-hosted many Finding Something REAL episodes in the past four years. Although Dagmar is interested in, learned a lot about and is drawn to Jesus, and chose to get baptized when she was a child, she has not yet made a decision to take a leap of faith as an adult. She has a comfortable life and enjoys partying with friends and admits that were she to give her life to Christ her life would change and people would view her differently. She's grown up in a secular culture and for this series, reached out to some friends for new faith questions including some about the credibility of Jesus, why there are so many variations of religion and Christianity, and the history of Christianity.    ABOUT CRAIG HAZEN Craig Hazen is the Chief Strategy Officer at Stand to Reason. He was the founder and director of the M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics and Professor of Comparative Religion and Apologetics at Biola University in Southern California. He is a recipient of the Fischer Award, the highest faculty honor at Biola. Dr. Hazen is the editor of the philosophy journal, Philosophia Christi. He is the author of The Village Enlightenment in America and Five Sacred Crossings including numerous articles, book chapters and journals. He earned both his Ph.D. and his M.A. at the University of California, Santa Barbara.  -- -- -- -- --  LINKS   Visit Stand to Reason at www.str.org for more resources related to the biggest faith questions young people are facing today.    To find out more about what 2025 will look like for Finding Something Real, click here. 

This is the fifth in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman and returning cohost, Dagmar from The Netherlands. This episode is with special returning guest and Portland pastor, author, and recording artist, Josh White.    Dagmar has co-hosted many Finding Something REAL episodes in the past four years. Although Dagmar is interested in, learned a lot about, and is drawn to Jesus, and chose to get baptized when she was a child, she has not yet decided to take a leap of faith as an adult. She has a comfortable life and enjoys partying with friends and admits that were she to give her life to Christ her life would change and people would view her differently. She's grown up in a secular culture and for this series, reached out to some friends for new faith questions including some about the credibility of Jesus, why there are so many variations of religion and Christianity, and the history of Christianity.      ABOUT PASTOR JOSH WHITE: Josh White is a recording artist, author, and lead pastor of Door of Hope, a thriving church community in the heart of Portland Oregon.   More about Josh: https://youtu.be/XDgWLkmLdjI?si=VHS08aFu9OlvxQSE   -- -- -- -- --

This is the fourth in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman and returning cohost, Dagmar from The Netherlands. This episode is with special guest and leading philosopher, William Lane Craig. Dagmar wasn't available for this recording, but Signe from Denmark joined in for this conversation about why there are so many different versions of Christianity, what matters most, and why Bill Craig is a Christ-follower.    Dagmar has co-hosted many Finding Something REAL episodes in the past four years. Although Dagmar is interested in, learned a lot about, and is drawn to Jesus, and chose to get baptized when she was a child, she has not yet decided to take a leap of faith as an adult. She has a comfortable life and enjoys partying with friends and admits that were she to give her life to Christ her life would change and people would view her differently. She's grown up in a secular culture and for this series, reached out to some friends for new faith questions including some about the credibility of Jesus, why there are so many variations of religion and Christianity, and the history of Christianity.      ABOUT WILLIAM LANE CRAIG: William Lane Craig is a Visiting Scholar of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and Professor of Philosophy at Houston Christian University. He and his wife Jan have two grown children. At the age of sixteen as a junior in high school, he first heard the message of the Christian gospel and yielded his life to Christ. Dr. Craig pursued his undergraduate studies at Wheaton College (B.A. 1971) and graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.A. 1974; M.A. 1975), the University of Birmingham (England) (Ph.D. 1977), and the University of Munich (Germany) (D.Theol. 1984). From 1980-86 he taught Philosophy of Religion at Trinity, during which time he and Jan started their family. In 1987 they moved to Brussels, Belgium, where Dr. Craig pursued research at the University of Louvain until assuming his position at Talbot in 1994. He has authored or edited over thirty books, including The Kalam Cosmological Argument; Assessing the New Testament Evidence for the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus; Divine Foreknowledge and Human Freedom; Theism, Atheism and Big Bang Cosmology; and God, Time and Eternity, as well as over a hundred articles in professional journals of philosophy and theology, including The Journal of Philosophy, New Testament Studies, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, American Philosophical Quarterly, Philosophical Studies, Philosophy, and British Journal for Philosophy of Science. In 2016 Dr. Craig was named by The Best Schools as one of the fifty most influential living philosophers.

This is the third in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman and returning cohost, Dagmar from The Netherlands. This episode is with special returning guest and Stand to Reason speaker, Jon Noyes. Dagmar wasn't available for this recording, but Signe from Denmark joined in for this conversation about moving from atheism to Christianity, what makes the Bible a historically reliable document, and how to go from head knowledge to trusting Jesus.  Dagmar has cohosted many Finding Something REAL episodes in the past four years. Although Dagmar is interested in, learned a lot about, and is drawn to Jesus, and chose to get baptized when she was a child, she has not yet decided to take a leap of faith as an adult. She has a comfortable life and enjoys partying with friends and admits that were she to give her life to Christ her life would change and people would view her differently. She's grown up in a secular culture and for this series, reached out to some friends for new faith questions including some about the credibility of Jesus, why there are so many variations of religion and Christianity, and the history of Christianity.    We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!     ABOUT JON: Jon has worked as a speaker with Stand to Reason since 2019. A former atheist, Jon used to think belief in God was unwarranted and irresponsible. Then, after examining the evidence for Christianity he was faced with the fact that Jesus is who He says He is and the Christian worldview tells the true story of reality. Ever since Jon has been passionate about engaging the culture with honest, well-thought-out reasons why people should trust the Christian worldview. Jon brings a unique perspective to his audiences and the Stand to Reason team, having more than ten years of experience in the legal field. In 2013 Jon earned a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, graduating with honors. Jon is a founding pastor at Soli Deo Gloria Church. He also serves on the board of directors for Life Without Limbs and Bible Thinker. More than any of this Jon is the father of four daughters and the husband of Rheanna. They live in Ventura County, CA.   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS: Suicide, God, And Knowing You’re Not Alone with Jon Noyes Eternity: Extreme & Scary? with Jon Noyes

This is the second in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman and returning cohost, Dagmar from The Netherlands. This episode is with special guest, Julia Garshagen. Due to technical difficulties, Julia Garschagen not only was our guest on this podcast, she also shared hosting duties with Dagmar. Together they discuss obstacles to faith, relationship with Jesus, and what repentance really means.   Dagmar has cohosted many Finding Something REAL episodes in the past four years. Although Dagmar is interested in, learned a lot about and is drawn to Jesus, and chose to get baptized when she was a child, she has not yet made a decision to take a leap of faith as an adult. She has a comfortable life and enjoys partying with friends and admits that were she to give her life to Christ her life would change and people would view her differently. She''s grown up in a secular culture and for this series, reached out to some friends for new faith questions including some about the credibility of Jesus, why there are so many variations of religion and Christianity, and the history of Christianity.      ABOUT JULIA: Julia Garschagen is a theologian and serves as the director of the Pontes Institute for Science, Culture and Faith in the German-speaking region. She speaks at universities and in business contexts across Europe and loves to be in dialogue about a faith that is both intellectually credible and existentially satisfying. Julia co-leads the biggest evangelistic youth outreach in the German-speaking world and teaches apologetics at a theological seminary. She is also co-founder of the charity Dios te ve, which helps young people in Peru to get a higher education. Julia lives in Cologne, Germany and loves the mountains.   -- -- -- -- --   LINKS: Dagmar's 2021 Episode with Julia Garschagen Christianity is Most Likely True, but I'm Not Sure I'm Ready to Give My Life to It  

This is the first in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman and returning cohost, Dagmar from The Netherlands. She's cohosted about 20 Finding Something REAL episodes in the past four years. Although Dagmar is interested in, learned a lot about, and is drawn to Jesus, and chose to get baptized when she was a child, she has not yet decided to take a leap of faith as an adult. She has a comfortable life and enjoys partying with friends and admits that were she to give her life to Christ her life would change and people would view her differently. She's grown up in a secular culture and for this series, reached out to some friends for new faith questions including some about the credibility of Jesus, why there are so many variations of religion and Christianity, and the history of Christianity.   -- -- -- -- --  LINKS: Dagmar's 2021 Episode with Josh White Dagmar's 2021 Episode with Justin Brierley Dagmar's 2021 Episode with Julia Garschagen Article I Wrote About My Youth Pastor Recent YouTube Video with Jason Schmidt    

This is the eighth and final episode in a series dedicated to a young woman named Olivea. With my last two cohosts, I have written a final letter. But, I thought for this one, I would bring on some friends. Today I am joined by one of my dearest friends, Melanie, and our guest Dr. Lisa Stanton. Lisa goes into depth about her transformative story of how she came to Jesus. Outwardly, it looked like she had it all, but on the inside, there was a God-shaped hole. Behind closed doors she was struggling with an addiction to alcohol, an eating disorder nobody knew about and even her biggest accomplishments didn’t satisfy what she was truly searching for. Lisa’s testimony beautifully shows how God is the only thing that will truly satisfy us when we have it all, and when he’s all we’ve got. This conversation pinpoints one of Olivea’s questions, “Why is Jesus Worth It?” You’ll find that question gets answered time and time again in Lisa’s story.     ABOUT LISA STANTON Dr. Lisa A. Stanton, PhD is a social psychologist, writer, and presenter with a specialization in behavior change theory and applications. Lisa currently lives with her husband in Minnesota. She spent two years as a fellow of the National Cancer Institute, which she spent researching behavioral cancer prevention at Northwestern School of Medicine in Chicago. Over the past several years Lisa also taught numerous college courses, co-authored over thirty academic publications, and presented at conferences in four countries. Currently, she helps her thousands of followers through her media and workshops about recovering from addiction.      -- -- -- -- -- -- LINKS: 52 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned in Recovery: A Journey Towards Sobriety, Honesty and Radical Forgiveness (Spiritual Guidance for Recovery, Receiving Everyday Miracles)  

This is the seventh episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea. This episode is with special guest, Jason Schmidt. Jason’s parents were Janell’s youth pastors and to this day have had a lasting impact on her life. Jason was on the podcast back in 2021 and opened up about considering going into full-time ministry. He gives us an update on what he’s been up to since the last time he was on the podcast, why he’s passionate about youth ministry and goes into depth about what he learned from losing his dad in a car accident.            ABOUT JASON SCHMIDT Jason is currently the High School & Young Adult Director at Hope Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Before that, he went to Seattle Pacific University for his undergrad and played soccer there, and then went on to Boise State to pursue his Masters. Jason is passionate about reaching the next generation for Jesus and having them have a personal relationship with him. He has seen how God is using his love for both fitness and sharing the Gospel and has gotten to see how both of his passions are reaching the youth in his community.      -- -- -- -- --   

Happy Wednesday! We are taking a break from our usual format. We will be back with Olivea next week, but for this episode, we have a special treat! This is a special episode because we are celebrating Finding Something Real's 5th Anniversary! We started Finding Something Real in 2019 with a mission to reach young women. But we could not imagine what the Lord had in store. Today we are taking time to reflect on God's faithfulness over the past five years, with someone who has been there from the very beginning. Today we are joined by the assistant producer of the podcast, Ana!     ABOUT ANA TORRES Ana has been involved with Finding Something Real from the very beginning.  From brainstorming meetings to Zoom meetings during COVID, Ana was always a faithful supporter of the podcast. Ana grew up in the Chelan Valley and has always been passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with others. She graduated with her AA during her time in High School and completed her Bachelor of Business Administration at Northwest University. Ana goes deeper into her faith journey and how she has been able to see the Goodness of God even in some of the darkest times in her life. And why she believes in the mission of Finding Something Real!     -- -- -- -- -- 

This is the sixth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea. This episode is with special guest, Lindsey Medenwaldt. Although Olivea was unable to join in on this conversation, Lindsey shared about her ministry talking with people about Christianity. She remembers when she encounters questions, and she shares encouragement for Olivea.      ABOUT LINDSEY: Lindsey Medenwaldt (MA, JD, MPA) is the director of ministry operations at Mama Bear Apologetics and an adjunct professor at Northwestern College in Iowa. She engages extensively on the topics of apologetics and worldview as a writer, editor, teacher, and speaker. Lindsey and her husband, Jay, live in Iowa along with their daughters.   -- -- -- -- -- 

This is the fifth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea. This episode is with special guest, April Biondolillo. April shares with Janell and Olivea about her life journey, She talks about her ministry, Cherish ministry which exists to empower every girl everywhere to discover her purpose and Cherish her worth. April answers Olivea's questions and talks about her experience in relationships with young women and how she deals with feelings of insecurity and comparison in her own spiritual life.    ABOUT APRIL  April was born and raised in Texas. She now finds her home in the east side of Washington with her husband, Andrew, serving in the youth ministry together. After receiving her BA in ministry and leadership and a minor in writing in 2016, she served as a youth pastor in Washington state for 5 years, and led as the Director of the Women and Children's Shelter for the Union Gospel Mission for 2 years. In addition, she is the founder of her nonprofit, Cherish, a ministry that exists to empower every girl everywhere to discover her purpose and Cherish her worth. April loves encouraging and empowering girls to walk out their worth within.     -- -- -- -- --  LINKS: https://cherishglobal.org/about  

This is the fourth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea.  This episode is with special guest, best-selling author, Francine Rivers. In this episode Francine shares with Janell and Olivea about her life journey, how she hears from God, why trusting His character is so important, and how she knows He cares even when life can be full of disappointments or unexpected detours.    ABOUT FRANCINE RIVERS New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years becoming a born-again Christian; she then wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. A retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush, Redeeming Love is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction and it continues to be one of the industry’s top-selling titles year after year. Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous bestselling novels with Christian themes—including The Masterpiece, Bridge to Haven, and A Voice in the Wind —and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for Inspirational Fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine’s novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. Francine and her husband live in Northern California and enjoy time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.  

This is the third in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea. This episode is with special guest, Jesse Childress. In this episode Jesse shares with Janell and Olivea about his own faith journey, how childhood attachment impacts our view of God, how mental health is impacted by Christian faith, the problem of suffering, the power of experience, and much more.    ABOUT JESSE CHILDRESS Jesse Childress has an MA in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Christian University and is currently a student at Denver Seminary studying counseling, focusing particularly on the relationship between trauma and faith. He spent a term studying at Francis Schaeffer's L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and has a deep appreciation for good food, philosophy, theology, and literature. He has written for Summit Ministries, the Anselm Society, Conciliar Post, and An Unexpected Journal.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS: How Do You Know You’re Going to Heaven? What If Following Jesus Isn’t Worth It? FSR YouTube channel FSR Speaking page FSR Patreon