The Wise Table Podcast

In this episode, we're challenging the idea that Christians should only be gentle, agreeable, and accommodating. God didn't create lions by accident. He created people who protect, confront, defend, and stand their ground when necessary.The problem isn't being a lion. The problem is being only a lion—or only a lamb.We're talking about strength, assertiveness, courage, compassion, and the wisdom to know when each is required. Because sometimes following Jesus looks like washing feet, and sometimes it looks like flipping tables.If you've ever felt too bold for church culture and too compassionate for the world's version of strength, this episode is for you.Follow Us for More! Socials: @TheWiseTablePodcastContact [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/thewisetablepodcast

What happens when an "ordinary" teacher says yes to an extraordinary calling?In this powerful episode, Breanna Johnson, who is anything but ordinary, shares how God led her from the classroom to the heart of West Africa—where she now serves as a missionary in the predominantly Islamic country of Senegal. Through moments of risk, faith, culture shock, and deep human connection, Breanna reveals what it’s really like to live among the kind and welcoming people of Senegal while boldly sharing the Gospel.From unexpected conversations to undeniable moves of God, this episode is a firsthand look at faith in action—and a reminder that the call to ministry can take you far beyond your comfort zone.Support Breanna's Ministry!Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/breannajohnsonAGWMCompassion Link: https://www.compassionlink.org/donate-supplies-get-involvedFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/663439540910787Giving Link: https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/600001-290070?MinistryName=Breanna%20Johnson&Page=0

This shouldn’t be happening.The Wise Table wasn’t built for global reach—it was built for real conversations. And yet, somehow, it’s crossing borders, landing in countries we never targeted… including several where Christianity isn’t the majority—and in some cases, not welcomed at all.We’re talking about Islamic nations. Closed spaces.In this episode, we break down the countries tuning in, what that actually means, and why it matters more than you think. Because this isn’t about analytics—it’s about access.Doors are opening.Seeds are being planted.And you’re part of it.This is bigger than a podcast.

What if the biggest struggles in worship aren’t the songs—but the hearts behind them?In Episode 13 of TWT, “Confessions of a Worship Leader,” Shealee sits down with Jess Mengel for a conversation that trades polished answers for real confessions—the kind that usually stay off the mic.We’re talking about pride that creeps in mid-set. Showing up to lead while quietly falling apart. The pressure to perform, to please, to carry moments that feel bigger than you. Jess shares what it actually looks like behind the scenes—the tension, the second-guessing, and the internal battles that don’t disappear just because you’re holding a microphone.They also get into the unspoken challenges of leading people—navigating expectations, opinions, and the weight of responsibility—without losing sight of why worship matters in the first place.This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the stuff beneath it.Honest. Uncomfortable at times. Necessary.If you’ve ever been on a platform—or wondered what it really costs to stand on one—this episode pulls no punches.Come on over to the Table. Your chair awaits!Songs:"God I'm So Grateful""Slower I Go"Follow & Subscribe for more!

You know the moment.Something small happens… and suddenly you're reacting way bigger than the situation.Later, you think: “Why did I do that?”In this episode of The Wise Table, we’re talking about the tension between the Bible’s call to self-control and the reality of trauma-induced triggers. Because sometimes our reactions aren’t just bad habits—they’re wounds speaking.So where does faith fit into that?We unpack what Scripture actually means by self-control, how trauma can hijack our responses, and how healing with God doesn’t ignore our triggers—it transforms how we handle them.Follow us on Social Media! @TheWiseTablePodcastNever Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, Chris Vosshttps://a.co/d/0e2LscQy

If the resurrection didn’t happen, Christianity collapses.But what if it did?In this episode of The Wise Table, we look at the one event the entire Christian faith stands or falls on—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not just as a Sunday school story… but as a historical claim that may have left physical evidence behind.Why does the mysterious image on the Shroud of Turin continue to puzzle scientists decades after its discovery? Why did a group of terrified disciples suddenly become fearless witnesses willing to suffer and die for what they claimed they saw? And why has the empty tomb remained one of the most debated moments in human history?This conversation dives into the facts, the questions, and the evidence that point to something extraordinary.Because if the resurrection is real…The empty tomb isn’t just history.It’s proof that everything Jesus said was true.Live Free Episode:https://youtu.be/PVY6gwHLVpw?si=w9169TVaLD1E147m

“Everything is fine”… until you get that call.This week, Shealee got the kind of call that stops your world for a moment: her uncle was in a foreign country and nearly lost his life. Suddenly prayers get more urgent, control disappears, and all the things we thought we were holding together… slip right out of our hands.In this episode, Shealee opens up about what happens when life reminds you that God’s timing isn’t ours—and why the real challenge of faith isn’t believing God exists… it’s trusting Him when you can’t control the outcome.From fear, to surrender, to the strange peace that only God can give in the middle of chaos—this conversation is for anyone learning how to let go and let God when life gets real.Because sometimes the most powerful testimonies start in the most unexpected moments.And this week’s story has two words written all over it:But God.Pull up a chair at The Wise Table.

What if we’ve been reading it wrong this whole time?For generations, the story of the fall has been reduced to a simple idea: Eve ate the fruit, Adam followed, and everything went wrong. But when you slow down and actually read the text, the details tell a far more complex—and challenging—story.In this solo episode of The Wise Table, we take a fresh look at Genesis 3 and uncover some things many of us may have overlooked. The serpent’s words, Eve’s response, Adam’s silence, and God’s questions all reveal layers that often get flattened in the way the story is commonly taught.Was the serpent’s strategy more subtle than we realize?Was Adam more present—and more responsible—than we’ve assumed?Did we misunderstand what was actually happening in the garden?When we read the passage carefully, Genesis 3 becomes less about a forbidden fruit and more about distorted truth, passive leadership, shifting blame, and the beginning of broken relationships.And the most surprising part? Even in the middle of humanity’s first rebellion, God’s mercy is already moving.Pull up a chair at The Wise Table as we challenge some assumptions, revisit one of the Bible’s most famous stories, and ask the question: What if the fall wasn’t just about what happened in the garden—but what still happens in us today?Stay Connected to The Wise TableIf this episode challenged or encouraged you, be sure to follow the show and share it with someone you want to encourage.📩 Send questions or topic ideas: [email protected]📱 Follow along: @TheWiseTablePodcast⭐ Leave a review to help more people find us!

In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Wise Table Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and disciple-maker Beatty Mengel to unpack a story of courage, faith, and divine intervention that will stay with you long after the episode ends.Beatty is the author of The Four-Day Journey Max Will Never Forget: Adventures of the Holy Spirit, a gripping Christian suspense story that chronicles a young boy’s harrowing abduction and miraculous escape — not just from danger, but into a deeper encounter with God. In this conversation, Beatty takes us behind the scenes of the book’s creation and shares personal stories that inspired the book; stories too good for fiction.Whether you’ve read the book or are just discovering Beatty’s voice, this episode offers hope, courage, and a fresh look at how God moves in our most desperate moments.🎧 Tune in to hear Beatty’s unforgettable testimony and be reminded that even in the darkest night, the Holy Spirit’s light can lead the way.BeattyMengel.comLike & Subscribe!

Is God loving—or controlling?Is choosing God real freedom, or a forced decision?In this episode of The Wise Table, Shealee Parker sits down with Pastor Brian Elliott to face the questions Christians often avoid—and skeptics never stop asking.This conversation was sparked by a single comment on social media—one honest question that opened the door to a much bigger discussion.With 35 years in ministry, pastoring churches across the South and Midwest, and now serving in Northwest Missouri, Brian brings clarity to conversations about free will, the Trinity, and what God's sacrifice really meant.No slogans. No dodging. Just thoughtful answers to hard questions—explained plainly and taken seriously.If faith has ever felt confusing, uncomfortable, or worth challenging, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Wise Table, Shealee is joined by her grandparents, Wally and Lana Shea—semi-retired pastors from Iowa whose ministry didn’t slow down… it simply went online. Long before they were on YouTube, they were two college kids who fell in love, got married, and all in the middle of the Jesus Movement in 1970—a movement they say never actually stopped.Today, Lana leads the heartfelt and wildly helpful channel “An Iowa Mom” (https://www.youtube.com/@IowaMom), while Wally teaches the foundation of faith with clarity and conviction on “FYI About God” (https://www.youtube.com/@fyiaboutgod). Different styles, same mission: help people meet Jesus in a world full of noise.This episode is a blend of humor, honesty, and Holy Spirit moments. Wally and Lana share stories of witnessing deliverance, experiencing miracles, and learning to follow God beyond denominational lines—from Baptist roots to Pentecostal fire.Along the way, we dig into:Why diversity in the church matters more than everHow the internet has become one of the most unexpected mission fieldsWhat it’s like to experience the Holy Spirit for the first timeThe power of prayer and personal revivalThe security we have in eternity with ChristA prophetic picture of a coming revival, unlike anything we’ve seen beforeTheir stories are down-to-earth, faith-filled, and often hilarious—reminding us that God still moves, still speaks, and still surprises.Mentioned Books:Foundational Christian Teachings — https://www.amazon.com/Foundational-Christian-Teachings-Rev-Wallace/dp/1533194041God’s Smuggler — https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Smuggler-audiobook/dp/B0027IQ5H0

Part 2 is here, and Jenny Gordon is back with our host, Shealee Parker—tackling marriage expectations, conflict, and the fine art of not losing your mind in either. It’s funny, honest, and just the right amount of unfiltered.If you missed Part 1, go back! You can find the shortcut attached to this episode. (#4: Pride, Procrastination, & Poor British Accents)Thanks for listening!Find The Wise Table Podcast on:Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookReach out to the show at:[email protected]

What starts as a total laugh fest with bad New York & British accents somehow turns into one of the most honest and heartfelt conversations. In this episode, our host, Shealee Parker, and guest, Jenny Gordon, go from cracking jokes to cracking open real topics — procrastination, consistency, grief, pride, and what it really means to let yourself be vulnerable.It’s equal parts comedy and conviction — the kind of conversation that makes you laugh so hard you forget you’re learning something deep.Pull up a chair. You’ll leave lighter, encouraged, and maybe with a slightly better accent. (Maybe.)Follow The Wise Table on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. @TheWiseTablePodcast

Is People-Pleasing Really That Bad?Spoiler: yes, it is. In this solo episode of The Wise Table, I dig into the hidden costs of people-pleasing—from stress and burnout to losing your sense of self. We’ll look at what psychology says, what Scripture shows us, and how to break free from the trap of living for approval so you can finally live with peace and purpose.

Turns out, stress doesn’t always break in—it usually gets an invite. In this episode of The Wise Table, I sit down with my mom, Tabitha Elliott, to unpack how much of our stress we create ourselves. With plenty of laughs, we share stories, insights, and the strategies we use to stop getting pulled back into the cycle.Find the best highlights from each show and get notified of new shows on Instagram @TheWiseTablePodcast.

Your body wasn't the problem—the lies you’ve believed were. In this episode of The Wise Table, we unpack the truth about body image, eating disorders, and the toxic messages that shape how we see ourselves. With faith and wisdom at the center, we’ll expose the lies of the enemy and reclaim the freedom to see our bodies the way God intended.Resource LinksChrissy’s Podcast (Old School Food Freedom): https://www.findingbalance.com/podcast/ FINDINGbalance: https://www.findingbalance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingbalanceofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitpage.findingbalance.incLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findingbalance-inc/ eDevo: https://findingbalance.com/dvLasting Freedom Online Course: A Christ-centered, non-diet ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to work through false beliefs about food and weight so you can live free from disordered eating and body image issues.   https://findingbalance.mykajabi.com/Old School Food Freedom Podcast, Episode 30: The Enemy Lies About Body Size But God’s Truth Leads To Freedom https://www.findingbalance.com/2023/12/the-enemy-lies-about-body-size-but-gods-truth-leads-to-freedom-with-chrissy-kirkman/And don’t miss the free Freedom Prayer Journal - a simple, practical tool to help you replace lies with truth and take steps toward lasting freedom. https://findingbalance.mykajabi.com/freedom-prayer-journalIf you’re unsure if you struggle with an eating disorder, FINDINGbalance has a wonderful resource to help start the steps towards understanding, acceptance, and recovery. Find out where you stand by taking their free eating issues test at findingbalance.com.”  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the test⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://findingbalance.com/eating-issues-test-part-1FINDINGbalance key verse: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1 (NIV)Shame OFF you! “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” - Romans 5:5 (NIV)Prayer Groups & Community: Offering a Christ-centered space for connection, encouragement, and healing. Whether you're struggling with food and body image or supporting someone who is, you'll find a safe place to be seen, heard, and prayed for by others who truly understand. https://findingbalance.mykajabi.com/community-groups Christian Treatment Finder - A free online directory designed to connect you with Christ-centered care for eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image struggles—offering access to trusted professionals who integrate biblical wisdom with clinical excellence and spiritual support. https://cedcn.org/FREEdom Blog: https://findingbalance.mykajabi.com/blogThe Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson: https://a.co/d/3S4iBEC 

Hey Friends & fellow Podcast Junkies. Welcome to The Wise Table, a podcast that’s good for your heart and your hustle. I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.I'd love to connect with you! Follow @TheWiseTablePodcast on Instagram to get alerts of new episodes and access to premium clips, or email [email protected].