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Finding Something Real Podcast

Janell Wood

Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your day-to-day, do big existential questions ever pop in- you know- things like, “Why am I here? How did all this get here? What happens after I die?” “Is there a God and is there really meaning to all this?” ”What’s so special about Jesus Christ?”

We’ve all experienced deep longing for something this world can’t seem to satisfy.

Even someone as wildly successful as Taylor Swift knows that to be true. “I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time...” She said, “and I remember thinking afterwards, ’Oh my god, that was all you wanted!... That was all you focused on. You get to the mountaintop and look around and you’re like... what now?”

If you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the different voices yelling for your affections- telling you what to go after- whether it be success, beauty, the perfect partner, social media followers, money, or power… only to leave you let down and unsatisfied, searching for more… Maybe like my friends and me, you’re after finding something REAL.

Every week, join me (Janell Wood), special co-hosts and guests as we ask questions, look for answers, and search for the source of something REAL: Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love. I believe those things can ultimately be found in relationship with Jesus Christ, but don’t take my word for it. Listen to our conversations for yourself and go on a journey with us: Is Jesus the REAL thing?

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#171
Wednesday · 50 min
Does "The One" Exist? with Tripp and Megan Almon
Happy Wednesday! We’re back with our summer series, and we’re so excited about this one! One of our most popular episodes this past season was with Tripp and Megan Almon, where they shared their wisdom on godly relationships and unpacked some common myths—like the idea of “finding the one.” In this episode, our co-host Frankie sits down with Tripp and Megan for a follow-up conversation, going even deeper into relationships, dating, and what it looks like to pursue God in the process. They also share from their experience working with young adults who are searching for truth, offering insight into some of the questions and challenges they encounter along the way. We hope you enjoy this deeper conversation with Tripp and Megan!
#170
August 19 · 45 min
Can You Explain What You Believe? with Ana & Hailee
Happy Wednesday! We’re back with our summer series, and today we’re joined by someone very special to us, Hailee Huddleston. If you know Ana and Hailee, you probably know them as a bit of a dynamic duo. They’ve served together in several ministries, including Valley Collective, which they started together. Hailee has also been a huge part of Finding Something Real behind the scenes, helping plan fundraisers, create awareness for the ministry, and support the podcast in so many ways. In this episode, Hailee shares some of her favorite Finding Something Real episodes and reflects on why those conversations have meant so much to her. Then, we flip the script and talk about something we believe every Christian can grow in: being able to confidently defend their faith. We talk about why we believe the resurrection happened, how we wrestle with the reality of suffering, and what it looks like to have meaningful conversations about our faith when we don’t have every answer. Sometimes the idea of defending what we believe can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to be an apologist to share why you believe in Jesus. Our hope is that this conversation encourages you, takes away some of that pressure, and reminds you that you can have confidence in what you believe while still being willing to ask questions and keep learning. We’re so grateful to have Hailee with us for this episode, and we hope you enjoy this week’s conversation!
#169
August 12 · 16 min
Our Favorite Episodes with Cailee & Frankie
Happy Wednesday! 🎙️ We’re back with another recap episode, this time with two of our co-hosts, Cailee and Frankie! Cailee shares some of her favorite episodes from the season, including a interesting conversation about AI with Abdu Murray and an encouraging discussion with Shelli Strickland about what to do when you’re searching for direction in life. Join us as we look back on some meaningful conversations, memorable moments, and the wisdom we’ve gained along the way. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode! ❤️
#168
August 7 · 43 min
Ana & Frankie Takeover pt. 2
If you enjoyed our last conversation with Ana and Frankie, you’re going to love this one! Welcome to Part Two of our Season 8 Recap Mini-Series! Ana and Frankie are back to revisit more of their favorite moments, memorable conversations, and highlights from the season. Whether you’ve been with us all season or are just discovering the podcast, this is a fun look back at some of the conversations that made Season 8 so special. We hope you enjoy this episode!
#167
July 29 · 32 min
Ana & Frankie Take Over: Season Recap & Favorite Moments
Happy Wednesday! This week, two of our co-hosts are taking over the mic! Ana and Frankie look back on some of their favorite episodes, share memorable highlights from the season, and revisit the moments that made them laugh, think, and keep coming back for more. We hope you enjoy this fun, behind-the-scenes conversation as much as we enjoyed recording it!
#166
July 22 · 1 hr 23 min
Live Recording at the Ruby Theatre with Xandra Grieme & Adam Coleman
Our first LIVE podcast recording was one for the books! We had an incredible conversation with apologists Xandra Grieme and Adam Coleman, joined by five of our amazing co-hosts for a thoughtful and engaging discussion. From exploring the question, "What is apologetics?" to wrestling with one of life's hardest topics—the problem of suffering—we covered a wide range of questions with honesty, wisdom, and grace. One of the highlights of the evening was opening the floor to our live audience. Their thoughtful questions brought even more depth and richness to the conversation, making this episode a truly special experience. Whether you're new to apologetics, have questions about the Christian faith, or simply enjoy meaningful conversations, this episode has something for you. We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation as much as we enjoyed recording it live! Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856 findingsomethingreal.com Follow us on: Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood
#165
July 15 · 42 min
Flipping the Script: Final Episode of Season 8
What a ride! 🎉 We’ve officially reached the final episode of Season 8. What a gift this season has been. We hope you've loved our incredible co-hosts as much as we have and that these conversations have encouraged you in your own faith journey. For our season finale, we're turning the tables! Instead of Janell interviewing someone else, our co-hosts are interviewing her. In this heartfelt conversation, Janell shares more of her own story—her faith journey, the difficult seasons that shaped her, and why she has such a deep passion for the girl sitting in the back pew who wonders if she truly belongs. We're so grateful for Janell's faithfulness, vulnerability, and the way she continues to point women to Jesus through this ministry. Thank you for being part of Season 8. We hope you love this final episode as much as we do. ❤️
#164
July 8 · 1 hr 9 min
God, Do You Even See Me? with Lydia Dicas
Happy Wednesday! We have a special episode for you today as we're joined by worship leader Lydia Dicas, along with four of our amazing co-hosts: Jeanine, Christie, Katelyn, and Sarah. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Lydia shares her journey of living with chronic illness and the tension of holding onto faith while serving in ministry. As someone who has led countless people into worship and witnessed God heal others, she vulnerably opens up about what it's like to still be waiting for her own healing. Jeanine, who also lives with chronic illness, shares her own story as the two reflect on the realities of daily pain, seasons of hopelessness, and the questions that often accompany suffering. Together, they reveal the profound ways they've encountered God's presence in the midst of their pain—discovering a closeness with the Father that many may never experience apart from hardship. Whether you're navigating suffering yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply longing to deepen your faith, we pray this conversation encourages you. Our hope is that you'll walk away inspired to embrace the beauty found in life's simple moments and to trust that God is near, even in the waiting. About Lydia: Lydia Dicas is a worship leader whose life and ministry have been deeply shaped by a lifelong journey with chronic physical pain and an unwavering faith in God. Living with persistent symptoms—including migraines, nerve pain, muscle pain, and chronic illness that has never been definitively diagnosed—Lydia has experienced both the hope of healing and the heartbreak of recurring setbacks. A slipped disc several years ago further intensified her daily struggles, making pain a constant companion. Despite these challenges, Lydia's testimony is one of resilience, honesty, and deep intimacy with God. She openly shares the emotional realities of living with chronic pain—the cycles of hope, disappointment, surrender, and renewed trust—while encouraging others to pursue God's presence in the midst of suffering. As both a worship leader and a mother, Lydia's life reflects a faith that is refined through hardship rather than defined by it. Her story reminds others that even when healing seems delayed, intimacy with God remains the greatest source of strength, hope, and peace. -- -- -- -- -- LINKS Freedom Through Christ: Deliverance, Spiritual Gifts & Generational Sin Can Christians Have Generational Curses? with Joshua Lewis (part 1) 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
#163
July 1 · 1 hr 12 min
Freedom Through Christ: Deliverance, Spiritual Gifts, & Generational Sin with Joshua Lewis (part 2)
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
#162
June 24 · 1 hr 9 min
Can Christians Have Generational Curses? with Joshua Lewis (part 1)
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
#161
June 17 · 1 hr
God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul and Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter
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
#160
June 10 · 58 min
When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story
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
#159
June 3 · 59 min
The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allen
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
#158
May 27 · 59 min
New Age vs New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty
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
#157
May 20 · 1 hr 3 min
Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel
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
#156
May 13 · 1 hr 2 min
Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle
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
#155
May 6 · 1 hr 5 min
Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand
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
#154
April 29 · 1 hr 5 min
The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland
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
#153
April 22 · 53 min
How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story
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
#152
April 15 · 56 min
I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp
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

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