Why I Believe

What if God is speaking… and we're just not listening? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Marianne Callaghan; wife, mom, and Director of Faith Formation, to talk about what it really looks like to move from simply knowing your faith… to truly living it. Raised in the Catholic Church, Marianne always had faith, but it wasn't until later in life, through marriage, motherhood, loss, and personal surrender, that her relationship with God became real and deeply personal. From struggling with infertility and loss to walking alongside families in their faith journeys, Marianne shares how God has shown up in both the hardest and most beautiful moments of her life. And then… there's the moment she can't explain away. While in prayer, Marianne asked God (through the Blessed Mother) to bring peace to her son. That same night, without knowing her prayer, her son experienced that exact message. We talk about: The difference between knowing faith and owning it How suffering can deepen, not weaken, your relationship with God The power of prayer and learning to truly listen Why community is essential in your faith journey Practical ways to begin building a relationship with God How God still speaks… if we're willing to hear Him Marianne's story is a powerful reminder that faith isn't just something you inherit… It's something you choose, grow into, and live out daily. If you've ever wondered how to hear God's voice, where to start, or how to deepen your faith, this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Marianne at [email protected] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What happens when your life changes overnight… and nothing goes according to plan? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Kelly Melcher; wife, mom of two (with one on the way), and woman of faith, to share a story of unexpected diagnosis, shifting identity, and learning to trust God in the middle of uncertainty. Shortly after getting engaged, Kelly lost her vision and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, completely changing her day-to-day life and future plans. From losing independence to navigating marriage, motherhood, and an invisible illness, Kelly had a choice: Become bitter… or become better. She chose faith. We talk about: Living with an invisible illness and loss of control How her diagnosis strengthened, not weakened, her faith Navigating marriage through "for worse" before the wedding Trusting God when life doesn't follow your plan Finding joy and gratitude in the middle of uncertainty Why perspective changes everything Kelly's story is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't go the way you expected… It can still be good. If you're walking through something unexpected, difficult, or out of your control, this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Kelly at [email protected] Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if the things people said about you… were never true to begin with? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Kiersten Schlough; designer, photographer, youth leader, and woman of faith, to talk about identity, healing, and learning to see yourself the way God does. Kiersten's journey began with bullying in middle school, feeling like she didn't fit in, and struggling to understand who she was. That struggle only deepened as she was later diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, making school even more challenging and leaving her questioning her intelligence and worth. But that wasn't the end of her story. Through faith, scripture, and learning to pray even for those who hurt her, Kiersten began to rebuild her identity, not based on what others said, but on what God says. She also shares about experiencing church hurt, the pain of walking away from a place she once loved, and how God met her in that healing process in unexpected ways. We talk about: Bullying and struggling to fit in Learning disabilities and redefining intelligence Praying for those who hurt you (even when it's hard) Navigating church hurt and finding healing The power of forgiveness and letting go How God uses even painful seasons for growth and purpose Kiersten's story is a powerful reminder that your identity is not defined by your past, your pain, or other people's opinions. It's defined by who God says you are. If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled to belong, or needed healing from past hurt, this episode will speak directly to you. You can reach Kiersten at Kiersten Schlough (Ziegler) | LinkedIn. Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if a simple childhood prayer… became the foundation for a lifetime of faith? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Ann Bodie; retired nurse, wife, mom, and grandmother, to share a powerful journey of faith that spans from childhood innocence to navigating unimaginable loss. At just 12 years old, Ann prayed for a sign that her mother and unborn brother would be okay. Her request? Three icicles. What happened next became a defining moment in her faith, but it wasn't until years later that she fully understood what God was teaching her about trust… and waiting. But Ann's story doesn't stop there. She also shares the heartbreaking loss of her 22-year-old son, and what it looks like to walk through deep grief while learning to trust and surrender to God daily. We talk about: Childlike faith and the power of prayer Learning to trust God, even when the answer is "wait" Navigating grief after the loss of a child Letting go of control and surrendering daily How God carries us through what we never thought we could survive Ann's story is both tender and powerful, a reminder that faith isn't built in one moment… It's built over a lifetime of trusting, questioning, grieving, and choosing to believe anyway. If you're in a season of waiting, loss, or learning to trust God more deeply, this episode will meet you right where you are. You can reach Ann at Ann Bodie | LinkedIn. Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What do you do when your life changes in a single moment… and everything you planned is gone? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Julie Raque, speaker, business consultant, and single mother, to share a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and faith through life's hardest seasons. At just 29 years old, Jule became a widow overnight after her husband was killed in a car accident, leaving her to raise two young children on her own. What followed wasn't immediate strength or clarity… it was survival. Hour by hour. Day by day. Julie shares what it really looks like to walk through grief while still showing up for life, and how faith carried her, even when she didn't fully realize it at the time. We talk about: Navigating loss while raising young children What survival mode really looks like (and why that's enough) Letting go of needing to have it all together How faith shows up, even when you don't feel strong The long journey from grief to healing… and eventually thriving Julie's story is a powerful reminder that strength doesn't always look like confidence. Sometimes… strength is simply getting out of bed. If you're walking through a hard season, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering how to keep going—this episode will meet you right where you are. You don't have to have it all together. You just have to take the next step. You can reach Julie at Julie Raque | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if God asked you to do something that made absolutely no sense? Would you do it? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Heather Black—speaker strategist, event expert, and self-proclaimed "stubborn" follower of Christ—to talk about what it really looks like to trust God… even when you don't have the full plan. It all started with a simple (and slightly unexpected) instruction: "Go get the pigeon out of the road." What followed wasn't just about helping an injured bird… it was a powerful lesson in obedience, surrender, and taking the first step—even when you don't know what comes next. We talk about: Why God doesn't give you the whole plan—just the next step What happens when you resist (and how He keeps calling anyway) Letting go of control and trusting His timing Recognizing God's voice in everyday moments How faith grows when you finally say "yes" Heather also shares powerful moments from her life where God showed up in unexpected ways—through heartbreak, uncertainty, and life-changing decisions. Her message is simple, but one we all need to hear: You don't need the whole staircase. You just need to take the first step. You can reach Heather at Heather D. Black | LinkedIn Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What do you do when your entire world changes in a single moment? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Jenni Bernal; wife, mom, and woman of deep faith, to share a powerful story of trauma, resilience, and trusting God through the unknown. After a devastating bike accident left her husband with a spinal cord injury and the possibility of paralysis, Jenni found herself facing decisions, fear, and uncertainty she never could have prepared for. But in the middle of it all… she heard something she'll never forget: "Everything will be okay." That moment changed everything. We talk about: Navigating trauma and uncertainty as a family The power of faith when you don't have answers How community shows up in your darkest moments Letting go of control and accepting help Finding gratitude, even in the hardest seasons What it means to truly trust God's plan Jenni's story is a reminder that even in life's most difficult moments… God is present, people show up, and miracles still happen. If you've ever faced something you didn't think you could handle, this episode will remind you that you're stronger than you think… and you're never alone. You can reach Jenni at Jenni Bernal | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if faith doesn't start with having all the answers… but simply taking the first step? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Aaron Libner; business leader, nonprofit president, husband, and father, to talk about what it really looks like to come back to faith and begin again. Aaron's journey isn't one of perfection, it's one many of us can relate to. Growing up around faith but not fully living it… stepping away… and eventually finding his way back through family, community, and a desire to lead his daughter in a different direction. We talk about: Growing up in faith but not fully practicing it Walking away, and what led him back The impact of fatherhood on his faith journey Navigating fear and uncertainty during a premature birth Why consistency matters more than perfection How small steps, like prayer, devotionals, and community, can transform your life Aaron shares how faith became more than something he knew… and instead something he lives daily. His message is simple, but powerful: You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to start somewhere. If you've been feeling the pull to reconnect with your faith but don't know where to begin, this episode is for you. You can reach Aaron at Aaron Libner | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if your lowest moment… is actually where your story begins? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Amanda Hietter, CEO, entrepreneur, and woman of faith; to share a powerful story of transformation, redemption, and purpose. Amanda's journey wasn't easy. From teen pregnancy and abusive relationships to addiction, jail, and hitting rock bottom, her life was marked by pain, broken identity, and searching for something to fill the void. Until everything changed. At her lowest point, with nothing left and nowhere to turn, Amanda cried out to God. And what followed wasn't an overnight transformation, but a steady, powerful journey back to faith, healing, and purpose. We talk about: Struggling with identity and searching for worth in the wrong places Addiction, rock bottom, and the moment everything shifted What it truly means to surrender (not control) your life to God How small, daily steps rebuild your faith Why your story, no matter how messy, can be used for good Amanda's story is raw, honest, and deeply hopeful. It's a reminder that no matter how far you've gone… you are never too far for God to reach you. If you've ever felt lost, broken, or unworthy, this episode is for you. You can reach Amanda at Amanda Hietter | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if the moments that slow you down… are actually protecting you? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Denise Bender, business owner, community leader, and woman of unwavering faith, to talk about how belief isn't always built in big, dramatic moments… but in the steady, everyday ways God shows up. From a powerful childhood prayer that shaped her lifelong faith to witnessing what many would call a miracle, Denise shares how her relationship with God has evolved through every season of life. We also explore the idea of "Godwinks"; those moments where things don't go as planned, only to realize later you were exactly where you needed to be. We talk about: A life-changing prayer and the faith that followed What it means to trust God, even when life doesn't go as expected How to find the right faith community for you Why faith is less about perfection and more about consistency The small, everyday moments where God is quietly at work Denise's story is a reminder that faith doesn't have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, it's found in a prayer… a delay… or a moment that simply doesn't make sense, until it does. If you've ever wondered if God is really working behind the scenes in your life… this episode will open your eyes to the ways He already is. You can reach Denise at Denise Bender | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if the key to living fully… is allowing yourself to feel deeply? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Sarah Stokes—former news anchor, business owner, wife, and mom—to talk about a faith that has evolved from "getting it right" to truly living it. Sarah shares how her relationship with God shifted from performative, gold-star faith to a deeply personal, ever-growing connection rooted in choice, curiosity, and presence. But this conversation goes even deeper. After surviving a serious car accident that could have changed everything, Sarah was faced with a powerful realization: life is fragile, time is a gift, and we are here for a reason. We talk about: The difference between performing faith and truly living it How nature can become a powerful place to connect with God Why choosing your person—and your faith—daily matters What it means to be spared… and how that changes you The importance of feeling grief so you can expand your capacity for joy Sarah's perspective is raw, honest, and incredibly grounding. This isn't about having a "perfect" faith—it's about having a real one. If you've ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to deepen your relationship with God—this episode will meet you right where you are. Feel deeply. Love deeply. Live fully. You can reach Sarah at Sarah Stokes | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What if faith isn't built in one big moment… but in the small, consistent choices we make every day? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Todd Kuckkahn, CEO, leadership expert, and man of deep faith, to talk about his journey from drifting in his beliefs to building a life rooted in intentional faith. Todd shares how what felt like "chance" moments were actually divine nudges guiding him exactly where he needed to be; from meeting his wife to ultimately converting to Catholicism. His story is a powerful reminder that God often works through repetition, relationships, and quiet persistence, not just big, dramatic events. We also dive into: The difference between feeling lost and finding direction through faith How small, consistent actions build a strong spiritual foundation Why what you feed your mind shapes your life Everyday ways God shows up (even in the "little" things) What it truly means to live as a servant Todd's perspective on faith is grounded, practical, and deeply relatable, especially if you've ever felt like something was missing but couldn't quite name it. If you're looking to strengthen your faith, build better habits, or simply become more intentional in your life, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Your story matters. And maybe today, this one helps you take your next step. You can reach Todd at Todd Kuckkahn, Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

What happens when the faith you grew up around… becomes a faith you choose for yourself? In this episode of Why I Believe, I sit down with Sherri McLeroy, educator, principal, author of Purposefully Made, and someone known as the "queen of fun" to talk about how her faith journey truly began. Sherri didn't always see faith as something joyful. In fact, growing up in church, it often felt like obligation rather than relationship. But everything changed when she witnessed a transformation in someone close to her, her brother. What she saw wasn't rules… it was real, and it was different. That moment sparked a journey that led her to choose faith for herself, and discover a God who brings joy, purpose, and even fun into everyday life. We also dive into: The difference between inheriting faith and choosing it How God shows up in life's hardest seasons Real stories of provision that will leave you in awe Why joy is a powerful expression of faith How Sherri is helping the next generation discover their purpose If you've ever wrestled with your faith, questioned your purpose, or wondered if there's more—this conversation is for you. Your story matters. And maybe today, this one is exactly what you needed to hear. Reach out to Sherri at Sherri McLeroy, M. Ed. | LinkedIn. You can purchase your own copy of "Purposefully Made" at Purposefully Made: Mcleroy, Sherri, Jones, Gerald: 9798385044191: Amazon.com: Books. Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.

If you're listening to this, there's a good chance you're searching. Maybe your faith feels shaky. Maybe you've been chasing success, identity, or purpose, and still feel like something is missing. Or maybe you're simply wondering where God fits into your life right now. Welcome to Why I Believe. This podcast was born out of obedience, not perfection. And it exists for one simple reason: to bring people closer to God. Each week, you'll hear real, honest conversations about faith, identity, and the ways God shows up in everyday life. Through powerful guest interviews, and occasional role reversals where Michelle shares her own story, you'll be reminded that you are not alone in your journey. This isn't about having it all together. It's about being willing to say yes. You can expect: Real stories of faith Encouragement for when your faith feels distant or uncertain Reminders that God is still working This podcast is for you if: You feel spiritually disconnected but want more You've questioned your faith, your identity, or your calling You want to hear real stories that strengthen your belief If this resonates with you: Follow and subscribe so you don't miss an episode Share this podcast with someone who needs encouragement Leave a review to help others find these stories Want to share your story? Michelle is currently accepting guest applications for Why I Believe. 👉 Apply here: https://www.michellevonruden.com/whyibelieve-apply Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling called to grow deeper in your faith, identity, or purpose, Michelle would be honored to walk alongside you. 👉 Book a conversation: Book Your Discovery Call with Michelle Von Ruden 👉 Learn more about coaching: Von Ruden Coaching and Consulting LLC- INDIVIDUALS Remember, you don't have to be perfect to be called. You don't have to have it all figured out to say yes. God will meet you right where you are.