Body and Soul

In this episode on motherhood, Whitney joins Janet for a heartfelt conversation about lifting our eyes to Christ and finding true strength in Him. She also shares the practical rhythms that help her care for both her body and soul. After two moves in the past year, Whitney speaks honestly about the challenges of transition and how she’s learning to steward her health and heart in the midst of change.Whitney Newby is a wife and homeschooling mother of four. She creates literature-rich, gospel-centered resources through Brighter Day Press. Whitney is also a speaker and the author of Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood.Connect with Whitney:Instagram: @brighterdaypress Website: www.brighterdaypress.comHer Book: "Lift Your Eyes"

In this conversation, Abby Halberstadt shares her insights on the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical health, emphasizing the importance of how hard things shape us and the value of embracing challenges in motherhood. She talks about rejecting mediocre motherhood, the joy of movement along with teaching fitness classes through the years, and the significance of cultivating peace within the family. We know you'll be encouraged to look at your spiritual and physical habits and to pursue faithfulness in your own life after this conversation.Abbie is a wife, mom of ten kids, an author of multiple books, host of the M Is for Mama podcast, a speaker, and a fitness instructor. She’s known for her honest, gospel-centered encouragement to women: especially the reminder that hard is not the same thing as bad.Connect with Abbie:Website: https://misformama.net/ Instagram: @m.is.for.mamaBooks: "M Is For Mama: A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood""Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad: The Perspective Shift That Could Completely Change the Way You Mother""You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls"

In this episode, Janet talks with author Sarah Walton who shares her profound journey through chronic illness and the impact it has had on her life, faith, and family. We discuss her early struggles with health, the complexities of navigating life as a mother of four children with similar health challenges, and the lessons learned about dependence on God. As we explore identity, marriage, the beauty of receiving help, and the hope of resurrection, Sarah shares how suffering has reshaped her understanding of fruitfulness and God’s nearness—and what it means to be held by Him when your body feels like it’s falling apart. Connect with Sarah:Website/Blog: https://setapart.net/Instagram: @sarahpwaltonBooks:"Hope When It Hurts" by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton"Together Through the Storms: Biblical Encouragements For Your Marriage When Life Hurts" by Jeff and Sarah Walton"Tears and Tossings: Hope in the Waves of Life" by Sarah Walton"He Gives More Grace: 30 Hope Filled Reflections for the Ups and Downs of Motherhood" by Sarah Walton and Linda Green"The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father's Never-Ending love" by Sarah Walton**PREORDER her new book here: "Jesus Will Meet You There: Finding Strength and Comfort in the Savior who understands" by Sarah Walton and Kristen Wetherell (out July 2026)

In this episode, Janet interviews Abbey Wedgeworth who invites us to consider how deeply God cares for every part of who we are - both body and soul. She talks about how miscarriage was one piece of opening her eyes to this, and what it looks like to disciple our kids with this truth in mind. Abbey shares the analogy of two colors of playdough mixed together - inseparable, just like our body and soul. We know this conversation with encourage you as you parent your children, or as you consider your own understanding of both spiritual and physical life. Abbey is a wife, mother, and writer, known for her books Held and the Training Young Hearts series (and a new book coming out March 17, 2026). She’s passionate about discipleship and Bible literacy, and she loves seeing how the gospel transforms the way we think and live. Abbey lives on the beautiful South Carolina coast with her husband, David, and their three boys.Connect with Abbey:Instagram: @abbeywedgeworthWebsite: https://www.abbeywedgeworth.com/ (join her email list here)Abbey's Resources:Held: 31 Biblical Reflections on God's Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of MiscarriageTraining Young Hearts SeriesHelp! I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change (releasing March 2026)Referenced by Abbey:"The Body Teaches the Soul" by Justin Earley"Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications" by Michael EmletChristine Chappell: Postpartum Depression Resources"Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On For Life" by David Thomas"The Anatomy of the Soul" by Curt Thompson

What does it mean to honor God with your body... especially as you age or lead others in faith?We’re grateful to kick off Season 2 with Rev. Michael Pitsenberger, whose life reflects the truth: “Only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”  His 3–4 mile morning prayer walks are one example of how he beautifully unites spiritual and physical devotion.He talks about the habits, motivations, and biblical convictions that have kept him fit in both body and spirit. This conversation challenges and encourages pastors and believers alike to pursue stewardship for the glory of God.In his own words: “I have one earthly life to live for Jesus and then I go to heaven. There are no redos, no do-overs, no returns to the year before. So I live now with a heightened awareness that this single life we all have on earth will soon come to an end, and if we are Christians we want to maximize our potential and our gifts for the glory of the Lord.”

God didn’t just give us souls - He gave us bodies, and He designed them to move. In this episode, Janet and Jono explore how physical movement fits into the ordinary Christian life and why exercise can be an act of faithful, joyful stewardship rather than guilt or vanity.Our bodies are intentional creations and gifts “on loan” from God. Movement can honor Christ, cultivate joy, and even train our souls through small, daily acts of endurance.The conversation blends theology with physiology, unpacking how God designed the human body to move: muscles, brain, heart, and mind working together for strength, clarity, and long-term flourishing. They also address modern challenges like sedentary lifestyles, the intimidation of starting an exercise habit, and the importance of movement for children’s development.Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to reframe it spiritually, this episode offers practical encouragement: start small, be consistent, and enjoy God as you move. Above all, it’s an invitation to steward your body with gratitude and honor God in it...today.Referenced:"A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying God in Body and Soul" by David Mathis""Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" by Dr. John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman"The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt1000 Hours Outdoors

In this episode, we take a big-picture look at stewardship: what it means to care for all that God has entrusted to us and how that calling extends even to the food we eat.Together, we’ll consider how food is a gift to be managed for His glory and why our daily decisions about food and nourishment actually matter in light of eternity. We will look at:What the Bible shows us about food as God’s good gift in creationHow sin has distorted our relationship with food and the landWhat is food? And how we can faithfully redeem our habits and choicesPractical ways to think about nutrition, stewardship, and grace in a modern world full of processed foods and mixed messagesWe hope this conversation will encourage you to approach food with gratitude, wisdom, and worship. Because in the end, stewardship isn’t about perfection, it’s about faithfulness with what we’ve been given, one small step (or one bite) at a time.Referenced:"In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan"Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health" by Casey Means and Calley Means"A Bite Sized Theology of Food" (Desiring God)"Food Rules: How God Reshapes Our Appetites" (Desiring God)Dutch Bros Nutrition Facts

What does it look like to grow older while staying rooted in purpose, faith, and gratitude? In this episode of Body and Soul, Janet and Jono reflect on aging as an opportunity to serve, grow, and glorify God. They explore how to steward our bodies well even in our later years and why every stage of life holds meaning in God's kingdom. Whether you're 25 or 85, this conversation will encourage you to embrace the aging journey.They also dive into how physical health plays a vital role in our spiritual calling, especially as we age. From biblical truths to practical habits that promote longevity, they explore how honoring God includes caring for the bodies He’s given us.Referenced:"Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture" by Sharon W. Betters & Susan Hunt"Finishing Our Course with Joy: Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging" by J.I. Packer"Forever (Doesn't Quite Seem Long Enough)" (song) by Ben Rector"In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan"Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford"The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest" by Dan Buettner"How Mandela Stayed Fit: from his 'matchbox' Soweto home to a prison cell" by Gavin EvansNelson Mandela 

In this episode, Jono and Janet explore how even good things (like health, fitness, and discipline) can become idols when they take the place of God in our hearts. Building on their previous conversation about sloth and gluttony, they discuss the subtle dangers of making wellness our identity or ultimate pursuit. They help listeners reflect on where their true hope lies and share personal stories of wrong heart motivations. The episode closes with questions to assess whether our health habits are glorifying God or replacing Him.Reflection Questions:1) In what ways can a good pursuit (like health or fitness) subtly shift from being wise stewardship to becoming an idol in our lives?2) How can we practically evaluate whether our goals (health, fitness, etc.) are truly for God's glory - or rooted in our desire for control, identity, or praise?Referenced:"What Is An Idol?" (Desiring God)"Is Body Image My Idol?" (Desiring God)"Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters" by Timothy Keller"Soul Idolatry Excludes Men Out of Heaven" by David ClarksonFollow us on instagram:@thebodyandsoulpodcast

What does it truly mean to pursue holiness? In this episode, we explore the believer’s call to live a godly, disciplined life: one that reflects Christ’s lordship in every area, including our bodies and health.Drawing from Joel Beeke and Michael Barrett’s A Radical and Comprehensive Call to Holiness, we discuss how grace not only saves but transforms. As Beeke writes, “Grace never leaves a man where it finds him.” We’ll focus specifically on progressive holiness: how sanctification plays out practically in the Christian life.We dive into scripture passages from 2 Timothy, Titus, Ephesians, and Colossians, and examine how godliness is not passive but an active pursuit. From sloth and gluttony to physical discipline and spiritual formation, we consider how our daily choices and habits either aid or hinder our sanctification.You’ll hear thought provoking quotes from John Calvin, John MacArthur, John Piper, Gary Thomas, and C.S. Lewis on things such as the importance of bodily discipline, spiritual maturity, and resisting worldly comforts.Our mission is to help you think biblically about your health so you can wisely number your days, care for others well, and live wholeheartedly for Christ in every season of life.Discussion Questions:1) How does understanding sanctification as an ongoing, grace-driven process change the way you approach your daily habits—both spiritual and physical?2) What are some specific areas in your life where comfort or complacency may be hindering your pursuit of holiness? How might God's grace help you move forward in those areas?3) In what ways can bodily discipline serve as a spiritual practice that supports your growth in godliness?Referenced:“A Radical, Comprehensive Call to Holiness” by Beeke and Barrett“Every Body Matters” by Gary ThomasJohn Macarthur on 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (we mistakenly said 1 Timothy)John Piper quote on Gluttony"Good Energy" by Casey Means"The Weight of Glory" by C.S. LewisFollow us on instagram:@thebodyandsoulpodcast

How do we hold together the truths of God’s sovereignty and our human responsibility? In this episode, we explore the beautiful mystery of these two doctrines - truths that may seem to be in tension but we believe are fully compatible in Scripture.We walk through a few passages that affirm God's ultimate authority over all things and our personal accountability before Him. Then we bring the discussion down to earth: What does it look like when we fall into a ditch too far on either side? What does this mean for how we treat our bodies, make health decisions, and avoid the common ditches of complacency or self-reliance? If you’ve ever wondered how trusting God aligns with making wise choices, this episode will encourage you to embrace both. Yes, God numbers your days..and yes...you should drink water, go outside and get some sunshine, move your body, and steward your health well.Discussion Questions:1) Where do you personally tend to lean: toward passivity ("God will take care of it") or over-control ("It’s all up to me")? How does Scripture challenge or correct that tendency?2) What practical rhythms can help you stay balanced between trusting God fully and actively stewarding your responsibilities well?Referenced:Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. PackerSpurgeon quote (page 242)Conscience by Andrew NaselliGraph explaining weak/strong conscience from Conscience by Andrew Naselli bookWhy doughnuts may not be the best breakfast food (at typically 15-30g of sugar they lead to a large blood sugar spike and then crash)Follow us on Instagram:@thebodyandsoulpodcast

What does it mean to be both body and soul: created intentionally by a wise and loving God? In this episode, we will look at different scripture passages, and explore the biblical truth that we are whole beings, both physical and spiritual, designed in the image of God. We will reflect on the beauty and complexity of the human body, the effects of sin on our physical form, and how God's care extends to every part of us. This episode encourages us to reject the idea that our spiritual life is separate from our physical life and instead embrace a holistic view of ourselves as created and deeply known by God.From the Incarnation of Christ to God’s provision in our everyday needs, we’re reminded that our bodies matter and that caring for one another in tangible ways reflects the heart of God. Whether you're studying human anatomy or simply seeking deeper wholeness, this conversation will inspire you to see yourself and others as wonderfully made.Discussion Questions: 1) How does understanding that we are both body and soul, created in God’s image, impact the way we view our physical, spiritual, relational, and mental health?2) In what ways have we, personally or culturally, separated the spiritual from the physical? How can embracing a biblical, whole-person view help restore balance in how we live and care for others?Referenced:Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel Beeke & Paul SmalleySystematic Theology by Robert Letham"Heaven" by Randy Alcorn"God With Us" Spurgeon Sermon (1875)"Love Thy Body" by Nancy PearceyStudies/Articles related to food dye and its exposure on children:1) "Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence"2) "Toxicology of food dyes"3) "Artificial food dyes are toxic: Neurobehavioral implications in children"Follow us on Instagram:@thebodyandsoulpodcast

In this introductory episode, hosts Janet and Jono share their background in healthcare: from their early days at Mayo Clinic to life now as parents teaching their kids about the body. Their passion? Helping Christians think biblically about what it means to live as embodied followers of Christ.Body and Soul explores the connection between physical health, theology, and Christian witness. In a church culture where conversations about the body are often prescriptive (or missing altogether) this podcast offers something different: thoughtful, biblical reflection on how to faithfully steward both body and soul.Join us for future episodes as we build a theological framework for health and explore how to steward various aspects of our health and bodies for God's glory. No formulas...just honest, biblical conversations about living fully human to the glory of God.Referenced:"The End For Which God Created the World" by Jonathan EdwardsThe Heidelburg Catechism, Q&A #1Novera Headache CenterFollow us on instagram:@thebodyandsoulpodcast