In this episode, I’m honored to introduce you to Liza Lovett, someone I connected with through a podcasting group. Liza shares her powerful story of surviving and healing after six years in a Christian cult. Her journey of disentangling her beliefs, rediscovering God’s true character, and finding peace offers hope to anyone navigating spiritual trauma.

Liza now works with survivors of abuse, with a specific focus on religious abuse, providing education, resources, and support to those on their healing journeys. She shares about her experiences with deliverance, the emotional toll of leaving a cult, and the hard work of rebuilding her faith and relationship with God.

We also discuss her book, Whispers of the Lake, and the power of leaning into Scripture during seasons of pain. Liza highlights the importance of practical tools like therapy, faith-based healing, and the kindness of community in the recovery process.

This conversation is raw, healing, and filled with grace for anyone who has faced abuse in a spiritual context. We pray that it will cause you to not only evaluate where you are in your personal relationship with God and what His Word is revealing to you, but also to encourage others to do the same.

Bio:

If you have ever experienced religious or sexual abuse, then you will want to hear Liza’s story about healing from religious and sexual abuse in a relationship with God.

Liza is a Christian Speaker, writer, author, and founder of The Warriors Community. Liza writes and speaks about her personal experience with religious and sexual abuse, and how God is healer and restorer of all things. Liza uses her trauma training experience to bring awareness to the Christian church about what religious and sexual abuse can look like, how to support someone who has experienced the abuse, and healing tools and resources.

Liza’s heart is to remind survivors that God did not hurt them, people did. Liza uses her story, trauma training, and scripture to help survivors move along in their healing journey, feel heard and seen, equip the church body, and introduce survivors to a God who loves, heals, and restores.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 34: 18

Proverbs 3: 24

Connect with Liza:

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thewarriorscommunity

FB: FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561021531560&mibextid=LQQJ4

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrslizalovett

Whispers of the Lake Book: https://amzn.to/47zyaSv

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On today's episode, we explore the new release of Emotional Confidence by Alicia Michelle. Alicia’s powerful story of overcoming perfectionism and learning to embrace her emotions through a medical crisis led her to develop tools for other women facing similar battles. We talk about:

• The intersection of science and faith in managing emotions.
• Alicia’s personal testimony of healing and how God used her struggles to guide her ministry.
• The three-step ADD method (Acknowledge, Discern, Decide) for navigating emotional triggers.
• The importance of emotional literacy and practical ways to develop it.

Join us to learn how to invite God into the journey of emotional processing and gain confidence in handling life’s challenges with grace and truth.

Bio:

Alicia Michelle, ACC, CPLC is an ICF-certified Christian life coach and NeuroCoach, author of Emotional Confidence, popular conference speaker, and multi-award-winning podcast host of the top-ranked podcast The Christian Mindset Coach with Alicia Michelle. Through her coaching and courses Alicia has equipped thousands of women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools to manage emotions and rewire toxic thought patterns for more calm, confidence and joy. She loves to travel, cook, draw, paint and savor life with her beloved husband, four kids and four dogs.

Anchor Verses:

Psalms

Exodus 14

Connect with Alicia:

Website: AliciaMichelle.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/aliciamichellecoach

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

Today, we’re starting season 15 off by diving into a powerful conversation on mental health, beauty, and the healing power of quietness with Sarah Clarkson, author of Reclaiming Quiet. Growing up in a Christian home, Sarah faced a traumatic diagnosis of OCD at the age of 17 and battled intrusive, troubling thoughts. In the midst of her struggle, she grappled with doubts about God's goodness, especially as the world around her seemed to mirror her inner chaos. Yet, it was through glimpses of beauty—whether in nature, literature like Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, or the touch of a loved one—that she found an anchor for her faith.

Sarah’s journey reveals how God often breaks into our darkest moments in subtle, beautiful ways, reminding us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." She shares her insight into how cultivating quiet isn’t about withdrawing from the world, but about listening for God's voice amid life’s noise. By setting intentional rhythms, practicing liturgical prayers, and honoring her limits as a finite being, Sarah found a way to reclaim her peace and deepen her connection with the infinite God. With anchor verses like Psalm 27 and Psalm 37, Sarah’s story is one of choosing beauty, quietness, and trust in God’s goodness—even when life feels overwhelming.

Be sure to check out Sarah Clarkson’s Reclaiming Quiet, available starting tomorrow. This is a book for anyone longing to find peace amid mental health struggles, busyness, and doubts, and to discover that God is present, creating beauty even in our brokenness.

Bio:

Sarah Clarkson is a writer exploring the realms of beauty and quiet, suffering and imagination. She's the author of seven books, including the upcoming Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention. She studied theology (B.Th, MSt in modern doctrine) at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and lives in an old vicarage with her Anglican priest husband and four small children.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 27

Psalm 37

Connect with Sarah:

Website: sarahclarkson.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwanders/

Blog: From the Vicarage (⁠sarahclarkson.substack.com⁠).

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

In this episode, I am talking with my friend, Melanie Waldman, author of "Look What Love Has Done: My Journey Toward Freedom and Fullness." Melanie shares her incredible story of transformation from a life filled with chaos, trauma, and fear to one marked by the profound love and freedom found in Christ. With raw honesty, she takes us through childhood struggles, tumultuous family dynamics, and the turning point that led her to experience God’s healing and fullness. We explore themes of generational healing, breaking free from lies of unworthiness, and her renewed sense of identity in Christ. Join us as Melanie opens up about her journey toward freedom, and how she now uses her story to guide others to healing and hope.

Bio:

Melanie Waldman is a worship leader, speaker and songwriter passionate about reminding people that God is always at work in their lives. Melanie loves testifying to the amazing miracles God has done in her life. Melanie is in her final year pursuing her Master of Divinity at Liberty University. She volunteers with Churchome praying with people and connecting people with community. Melanie and her husband, Scott, split their time between New Jersey, Florida and Nashville.

Anchor Verses:

John 10:10

2 Corinthians 5:18

Psalm 40: 2-3

Connect with Melanie:

Website: https://www.melaniewaldman.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/melaniewaldman/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/melaniewaldmanmusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melaniewaldman687

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/melaniewaldman

Book Link: Look What Love Has Done: My Journey Toward Freedom & Fullness

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

In today’s episode, I sit down with Mikala Albertson, author of the newly released book Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife. Mikala opens up about the personal challenges that led her to consider faith more deeply, particularly after her husband began struggling with addiction. She shares her journey of seeing marriage differently—not as two people being the same, but as individuals with separate needs and lives.

With her husband now clean and sober for over 15 years, Mikala reflects on how this journey has transformed her into a more compassionate person, learning to see people where they are rather than how we think they should be.

One of the key lessons she discusses is the idea of control—what we have control over and what we don’t. Mikala emphasizes that we can only control ourselves, not others’ reactions, and encourages us to let go of the rest, referencing Matthew 6:25-34, which reminds us not to worry about tomorrow but to trust in God’s provision today.

We have a very open and honest discussion about important women’s issues, including perimenopause and menopause, and share our experiences and insights on how to navigate these life changes with grace.

From body image to learning how to love who we truly are, Mikala offers a vulnerable and refreshing perspective on the midlife journey. Mikala’s new book is an honest and insightful read for anyone navigating the complexities of midlife, marriage, and personal growth. Tune in for practical wisdom and real talk on finding peace and joy in this season.

Bio:

Mikala Albertson, MD is a board-certified family practice doctor and well-being advocate who is passionate about women's health and healing in the middle of our messy, ordinary lives. Author of Ordinary on Purpose, Mikala inspires readers to aim for wholehearted living through a gentle, achievable, sustainable approach. She and her husband have five children and live near Salt Lake City, Utah.

Anchor Verses:

Matthew 6: 25-34

Connect with Mikala:

Website: https://www.mikalaalbertsonmd.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikalaalbertsonmd

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

On this week’s episode, I am joined by Diane E. Arnold, a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and the author of the brand-new book, 12 Habits for a Sound Mind and a Joyful Life. Diane also runs The Family Collective alongside her family, helping others build stronger relationships after overcoming their own challenges, including her husband’s public affair. Diane’s journey of healing and redemption has allowed her and her husband to counsel couples through their own struggles, offering wisdom from a place of deep personal experience. We also talk about her husband being diagnosed with stage 4 Colon cancer and how God taught her that perfect love casts out all fear.

Diane’s anchor scripture, Jeremiah 33:3, speaks to God’s desire for us to call on Him—about everything. In her book, she shares the habits that can transform your mental health and bring joy into your everyday life by drawing closer to God in even the smallest decisions. In today’s world, the comparison game and the lack of genuine in-person community make finding our identity in Christ more crucial than ever.

Diane dives deep into the process of identity formation and encourages us to become confident in who we are. She shares that when we truly know ourselves and listen to the Holy Spirit, we can make secure decisions without feeling rejected by others. This episode is all about finding balance, strengthening our minds, and living joyfully despite life’s challenges.

Bio:

Diane is a Licensed Professional Counselor with family and marriage counseling specialties. With an expertise in overcoming trauma and betrayal, she’s a certified EFT and EMDR therapist.

Anchor Verse:

Jeremiah 33:3

Connect with Diane:

Website: https://www.thefamilycollective.co

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

On today’s episode, I get to have a raw and powerful conversation with Joy Skarka, Director of Discipleship at Authentic Intimacy, about turning pain into passion and the journey to healing and freedom. Joy’s story is one that many women can relate to but few speak openly about. She shares how, after being sexually assaulted on her third day of college, she was plunged into a season of pain, isolation, and shame. Like so many, she turned to the internet for answers about sex and sexuality, which led to a secret addiction to pornography—a coping mechanism that left her feeling more alone and trapped.

But Joy didn’t stay in the dark. She began to share her story, and to her surprise, women around her began to open up too. This episode dives deep into the issues of sexual brokenness, shame, and the way pornography affects women—a problem that is far more prevalent than many realize.

Joy shares her anchor verse, Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Her message is clear: no one is too far gone for forgiveness, and healing begins when we bring our struggles into the light. It’s not about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation through Jesus.

Joy talks about the importance of unpacking the root issues that drive us to unhealthy coping mechanisms and finding our identity in Christ. True intimacy can only be restored when we develop a deep, personal relationship with God. In this conversation, Joy reminds us that life is a battle, but as we continue to surrender our pain and shame to God, we can find freedom and healthier ways to cope.

Bio:

Dr. Joy Skarka, doctoral graduate from Dallas Theological Seminary, is the Director of Discipleship for Authentic Intimacy. Joy leads online groups for women with unwanted sexual behavior and trains leaders to help women find freedom from sexual shame and pornography. Joy has a published dissertation, "Sexual Shame in Women and How to Experience Freedom," and a published chapter in Sanctified Sexuality: Valuing Sex in an Oversexed World and is the co-author of Her Freedom Journey.

Anchor Verse:

Galatians 5:1

Connect with Joy:

Website: www.JoySkarka.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joyskarka

Upcoming Conference: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/reclaim2024/

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

In today’s episode, I’m honored to sit down with David Bowden, spoken word poet and founder of the nonprofit, Spoken Gospel, as we talk about his newest book, Learning to Be Loved. David has spent over 15 years traveling the world, speaking to thousands, performing spoken word poetry, and sharing the gospel. Despite the outward success—millions of views on YouTube, performing in front of 200,000 people a year—David opens up about how he still felt a deep sense of disobedience and longing for God’s love in his own life.

David’s journey to truly understanding the love of God started during a church retreat in Colorado, where he heard the gospel as if for the first time. He shares the powerful moment when a former drug dealer friend recognized the change in him before David even spoke a word. This episode is a deep dive into the journey of healing and intimacy with God—how scripture transforms us, how to find God in both suffering and joy, and the ways God pursues us, even when we’re not aware.

We unpack scriptures like Romans 3 and Romans 8, and David shares how his life has been anchored by 2 Corinthians 3:18—that as we behold the face of Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness. David also shares insights from his study of “thin places,” those moments where the boundary between heaven and earth feels thin, and we encounter God in powerful ways.

If you’ve ever wondered how to position yourself to experience more of God’s love, this conversation will challenge you to start with the places of your deepest wounds and fears. David’s message is a reminder that God is already pursuing us, and when we allow ourselves to meet Him in our suffering, we can learn to meet Him in the joyful places as well. Don’t miss this episode if you’re seeking a deeper understanding of God’s love and how to find Him in both the broken and beautiful moments of life.

Bio:

David Bowden is the co-founder and Executive Director of Spoken Gospel, a nonprofit dedicated to creating free resources that help people encounter Jesus in all of Scripture. He is a spoken word poet and the author of When God Isn’t There, Rewire Your Heart and his newest book, Learning to be Loved. David lives in Oklahoma City, where he and his wife, Meagan, are raising two boys, Ezra and Eli.

Anchor Verse:

2 Corinthians 3:18

Pray This Verse:

Ephesians 3

Connect with David:

Website: SpokenGospel.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SpokenGospel

IG: instagram.com/SpokenGospel

YouTube: youtube.com/SpokenGospel

X: x.com/HeySpokenGospel

TikTok: tiktok.com/@SpokenGospelOfficial

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***