I’m so excited for today’s conversation with Sophia Ruffin-Wilson ! Her brand-new book, It Will Be God: Live in the Jaw-Dropping Realities of God’s Goodness , just released today, and she came by the podcast to share her powerful story and the heart behind this message. Sophia knows what it means to be radically transformed by Jesus. From a past marked by brokenness to a life filled with purpose and freedom, she has experienced God’s deliverance and goodness firsthand. In this episode, we talk a...
Aug 26, 2025•26 min•Season 17Ep. 293
This week on Anchored by the Sword , I’m joined by Jody Allen , author of the book, Hidden Heartache . Jody bravely shares her story of walking through her husband’s pornography addiction, a painful separation, and ultimately divorce — and how God met her in the middle of her deepest heartbreak. We talk about: Growing up in the church but having to discover real freedom for herself How she faced the devastating reality of pornography in her marriage The long, painful road of counseling, treatmen...
Aug 19, 2025•20 min•Season 17Ep. 292
In this special episode of the Anchored by the Sword podcast, Christa Crookston returns to share an update on her powerful story. Since her last visit, Christa has walked through the unimaginable—becoming a widow and facing her fourth cancer diagnosis. Yet, in the middle of grief, physical battles, and uncertainty, Christa continues to hold onto her faith in a God who never lets go. You’ll hear: • How Christa has found hope and strength in the face of repeated trials • What she’s learned about t...
Aug 15, 2025•13 min
In this episode of Anchored by the Sword , I’m joined by the ever-delightful and deeply insightful Margaret Feinberg— author of the new book The God You Need to Know (with a companion study guide coming soon). Margaret shares her lifelong passion for Scripture and how she approaches it with both a scholar’s curiosity and a heart for real-life application. We talk about: Her journey of discovering personal freedom in Christ — not in one dramatic moment, but through ongoing healing year after year...
Aug 12, 2025•33 min•Season 17Ep. 291
On today’s episode of Anchored by the Sword , Jessica Kastner joins us to talk candidly about walking through divorce, single motherhood, faith after heartache, and how Jesus has brought her into deeper healing and freedom. As a published author, speaker, and co-host of the “Free Failing” podcast, Jessica is no stranger to the messy middle of life — and she’s sharing it all with humor, honesty, and hope. Jessica opens up about being a mom of three boys, navigating life after divorce, and finding...
Aug 05, 2025•29 min•Season 17Ep. 290
Hey friends! Today’s episode is a timely one — because if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably felt overwhelmed or anxious at some point lately. I’m joined by Dr. Charles Stone, pastor, author, and brain science nerd (in the best way possible) to talk about how we can actually reduce anxiety and stress using a powerful combo of Scripture and neuroscience. Dr. Charles shares from his new book , Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety , and...
Jul 29, 2025•29 min•Season 17Ep. 289
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I sit down with Ashley Opliger—author, speaker, and founder of Bridget’s Cradles—as she shares her story of grief, hope, and the redemptive love of Jesus. Ashley opens up about the heartbreaking stillbirth of her daughter, Bridget, and how God birthed a nationwide ministry through her loss. She also vulnerably shares about the sudden and tragic death of her father and how she continues to cling to the hope of heaven. We talk about what it means to walk...
Jul 22, 2025•36 min•Season 17Ep. 288
Y’all, get ready—this episode is pure fire! I sat down with the one and only Marnie Swedberg , and let me tell you, her passion for helping women find clarity and walk in their God-given callings is contagious. Marnie is a speaker, author of 14 books, and the founder of WomenSpeakers.com. She’s spent decades encouraging women to get their messages out, even when the world tries to silence them. From struggling with dyslexia as a child to memorizing Scripture and now teaching and empowering women...
Jul 15, 2025•27 min•Season 17Ep. 287
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I thought I’d be further along by now” —this episode is for you. This week on the Anchored by the Sword podcast, I had the absolute joy of chatting with my friend Rebecca George—speaker, podcast host, ministry leader, and author of the brand-new book It’s Not Too Late: Trusting God in a Hurry Up World . She shares powerful encouragement for anyone who is navigating seasons of waiting, unfulfilled longing, or weariness from striving. We talk about the real-l...
Jul 08, 2025•26 min•Season 17Ep. 286
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with my friend, Katie Reid—author of Made Like Martha , her newest fiction release A Very Bavarian Summer , and her powerful new Bible study God, What Do I Do? A Study of Judges 1–5 . Katie shares how her personal journey of trusting God in the unknown—including a big move from Michigan to Florida—is being shaped by the very truths she’s teaching in her new study. We talk about obedience when the next step is unclear, ...
Jul 01, 2025•29 min•Season 17Ep. 285
In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse leader, author, and speaker Gena B. McCown. With 30 years in ministry and the marketplace, Gena brings her hard-earned wisdom and unwavering heart for women in the church. We talk about her books, Women's Ministry Purpose, and Still Here and Still Struggling to Serve , and the tension many women feel when called to ministry in spaces where leadership isn’t always welcomed or supported. Gena’s testimony is raw, honest, and filled with God’s redemptive g...
Jun 24, 2025•38 min•Season 16Ep. 284
In this episode of Anchored by the Sword , I’m joined by Naomi Overton—CEO, author, and general editor of Every Woman’s Bible . Naomi’s heart for people shines through every word as she shares her powerful journey of growing up serving in the orphanages of Tijuana, Mexico, and how a rainy day and a little girl’s home changed everything. From that defining childhood moment to leading global ministries like MOPS and Stonecroft, Naomi walks us through her freedom story—a life marked by reconciliati...
Jun 17, 2025•30 min•Season 17Ep. 283
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by author Julie Sunne, who reminds us what it looks like to hold on to hope when life doesn’t look like we imagined. Julie opens up about her journey through five miscarriages, the deep grief that followed, and the unexpected path of parenting a child with disabilities. She shares how her faith, which once felt more like a Sunday habit, was transformed into an anchored trust in the character of God. Julie’s book, Sometimes I Forget: Reminders of Hope for Your...
Jun 10, 2025•24 min•Season 17Ep. 282
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kimberly Haar , a licensed professional counselor and author of the new book Healing From Life’s Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss or Trauma . Kimberly shares her incredible testimony of surviving a multiple hour assault by her ex-husband, the attempted murder of her then-boyfriend and navigating the long road of healing from deep trauma, grief, and abuse. We talk about: • The moment her life changed forever—and how God met her there • ...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min•Season 17Ep. 281
What happens when the life you dreamed of falls apart—and somehow, God uses it to write a better story than you could’ve ever imagined? In this episode, I’m talking with Amy Eaton , author of Hope When It’s Heavy , a woman of deep faith, a military wife, mom, and grandma with a story of radical redemption and honest hope. Amy grew up in a nontraditional home, but she met Jesus at 20—and everything changed. That doesn’t mean the road was easy. After walking through betrayal in her first marriage,...
May 30, 2025•21 min•Season 17Ep. 280
In this empowering episode, Gina sits down with Lisa J. Allen—wife, grandmother, former Proverbs 31 executive, and now confidence coach, speaker, and first-time author of Your Confidence Compass: From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership . Lisa shares her journey of rooting her identity in Christ, rediscovering her confidence, and stepping into a new season of leadership and purpose. They unpack what true godly confidence looks like, how boundaries and self-awareness are tied to freedom, and why confid...
May 27, 2025•29 min•Season 17Ep. 279
Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Krissy Miles—speaker, author, and leader with the Nfluence Network. From growing up in a home marked by poverty, trauma, and instability, Krissy’s journey is one of radical repentance, transformation, and total submission to God. She shares candidly about the pain of her past, the deep emotional wounds she carried, and how her desire to escape it all only led her deeper into confusion and despair. But when Krissy surrendered her life fully to Jesus, everything...
May 20, 2025•27 min•Season 17Ep. 278
In this raw, powerful episode, I sit down with Tabitha Yates, author of the newly released audiobook Jesus and Therapy , to unpack her courageous journey through mental illness, spiritual abuse, and rediscovering the kindness of God. Tabitha opens up about surviving intense childhood trauma, narcissistic abuse cloaked in spiritual authority, and being told her depression was a sign of rebellion. Her story is one of survival—but even more, one of redemption. From being disowned by her father to e...
May 16, 2025•24 min•Season 17Ep. 277
Today on the show, I sit down with Kristen Strong—author, military wife, twin mama, and encourager of the soul—as she shares her freedom story and the journey that led her to write her newest book, Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk About Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need (out today!). Kristen opens up about her move from Oklahoma to Ohio and how that shift uncovered her deep need for true connection—along with the realization that she didn’t really know ...
May 13, 2025•29 min•Season 16Ep. 276
In this episode, I’m joined by Laine Lawson Craft, the author of Warfare Parenting , a powerful book dedicated to equipping parents and loved ones who are fighting for a prodigal or struggling child. Laine shares her personal journey, her heart for parents, and the incredible revelation she had that prayer is the most powerful weapon in the battle for our children. Through her experience of walking through the challenges of marriage and parenting, she discusses how to actively engage in the spir...
May 09, 2025•15 min•Season 17Ep. 275
On today's episode is my friend, Abby McDonald, author of Surrendering Certainty . Abby shares her powerful story of moving from a place of fear and uncertainty to embracing God’s guidance and surrendering control. After a tough season of postpartum depression and struggling with her faith, Abby came to the life-changing realization that she had never fully surrendered her life to God. Her journey of healing, both physically and spiritually, has shaped her ministry and writing, inspiring others ...
May 06, 2025•33 min•Season 16Ep. 274
In today’s episode, I am joined by Erin Harrigan, a Christian wife of 31 years, mom, business coach, author, and speaker. Erin shares her powerful journey of pursuing success while learning how to align her business and life with God’s will. After giving her life to Christ at age 46, Erin’s life took a complete turn as she embraced her relationship with Jesus and started navigating her business and career with a renewed purpose. Takeaways: 1. The Power of Surrender: Erin’s story of overcoming he...
May 02, 2025•26 min•Season 16Ep. 273
Rachel Faulkner Brown’s story is one of pain, resilience, and ultimate freedom. After losing her first husband to an aneurysm just days after September 11, Rachel navigated the deep waters of grief and loss at the age of 24. Despite the heartbreak and confusion, her faith in God kept her anchored through it all. But Rachel’s journey didn’t stop with her loss. Two years later, she remarried and began a new chapter of life with her second husband, Blair, and their children. However, tragedy struck...
Apr 29, 2025•27 min•Season 16Ep. 272
In today’s episode, I am chatting with my friend, Kate Battistelli, author of The After Party of the Empty Nest . Kate shares her inspiring journey of faith, obedience, and the unexpected joys that come in the later seasons of life. With a background in Broadway and a career in the arts, Kate’s life was turned upside down when God called her to lay down her dreams and step into a new season of family and ministry. After navigating personal challenges, including having an abortion at 18 and an un...
Apr 25, 2025•35 min•Season 16Ep. 271
In today’s episode, I had the joy of speaking with one of my favorite online friends, Elle Cardel, author of She Delights , a book and Bible study releasing today. Elle is the founder of Daughters of Delight, an online ministry dedicated to helping women grow in their relationship with God and dive deeper into the Word. Through her ministry, Elle offers devotionals that balance personal storytelling with sound biblical theology, helping women navigate their faith with purpose and joy. In She Del...
Apr 22, 2025•28 min•Season 16Ep. 270
In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Cindy Saab , author of Beyond: Strength and Hope Through Unexpected Storms . Cindy shares her incredible journey of walking through multiple life storms, including the loss of her younger brother to cancer, her mother’s decline with dementia, and the devastating end of her 28-year marriage. Through each of these trials, Cindy has learned to lean into God’s presence, finding strength, peace, and hope amidst the chaos. In her book, Cindy tak...
Apr 18, 2025•21 min•Season 16Ep. 269
In today’s episode, we are celebrating the release of Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming Our Broken Places with Meshali Mitchell, a deeply personal and transformative story of healing. Meshali, a Dallas-based photographer, shares her journey of brokenness and restoration, revealing the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. From childhood trauma to finding hope and healing through God’s grace, Meshali’s story will resonate with anyone who has experienced pain and longed for res...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Season 16Ep. 268
In this deeply powerful and raw episode, I sit down with Dr. Kim Maas—global minister, author, prophet, professor, and most importantly, a woman in love with Jesus. Kim’s story is one of deep heartbreak, radical restoration, and the miraculous power of God to redeem even the most broken places in our lives. Her latest book, Our Muchness , released in May 2024, is a passionate call to women everywhere to reclaim their God-given identity, calling, and voice. But today, Kim takes us behind the curt...
Apr 10, 2025•48 min•Season 16Ep. 267
Today I had the absolute honor of talking with Aubrey Sampson—author, podcaster, pastor, and a woman who carries the kind of hard-won hope you don’t get without walking through the deep. Her newest book, What We Find in the Dark , releases today and it’s one I truly believe every person navigating grief, loss, or the silence of God needs to have on their shelf—and in their hands. Aubrey shares the raw, powerful journey behind this book—how she cried out to God in her car while pregnant with her ...
Apr 08, 2025•34 min•Season 16Ep. 266
I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Dr. Deanna Shrodes to the show today. Her brand-new book, Uncommon Answers: Partnering with the Holy Spirit to Receive Extraordinarily More , comes out Tuesday, April 8th , and trust me—this conversation is packed with Holy Spirit fire, healing, and hope. Deanna shares her story of being adopted into a Christian home, growing up with a grandmother who pointed her to Jesus daily, and the incredible miracle of reuniting with her biological parents—stories only...
Apr 04, 2025•35 min•Season 16Ep. 265
