Contemplative prayer. Centering. Silence and stillness. These words sound peaceful—even spiritual—but are they biblical? In this eye-opening episode, Shanda sits down with Marcia Montenegro , a former New Ager turned Christian apologist, to unpack the growing trend of contemplative prayer in the church. Together, they examine: What contemplative prayer is—and how it differs from biblical prayer Why terms like “centering,” “silence,” and “stillness” aren’t always as innocent as they sound How con...
Jul 05, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 21Ep. 296
In this episode of the Her Faith Inspires podcast, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s stirring up controversy in Christian circles: calling out false teachers. Recently, some Christian influencers have labeled others as heretics and demanded public repentance. But how do we know when someone is truly a false teacher—or when we’ve crossed the line into cancel culture? We’ll look at: The difference between a heretic and a false teacher Biblical markers that identify false teachers (with insights...
Jun 28, 2025•40 min•Season 21Ep. 295
What’s really showing up in your child’s classroom? In this episode, I sit down with Gary VanRiper—author of The Adirondack Kids book series—to talk about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages woven into modern elementary school books and curriculum. As a parent, you must be informed and involved. Gary brings insight not only as a writer but also as someone who deeply cares about truth and shaping the next generation. We talk about the importance of wholesome stories, how to spot red flags in ...
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr•Season 21Ep. 294
Does biblical womanhood only apply to wives and moms? Not even close. In this episode, Shanda speaks directly to single women and unpacks what it means to live out biblical womanhood right now—before the wedding ring, the house, or the kids. She discusses why your identity is already rooted in Christ, not in your relationship status, and why the standards you set for dating and the kind of man you’re drawn to matter more than you think. Shanda also walks through the three ways we learn life’s le...
Jun 14, 2025•37 min•Season 21Ep. 293
In today’s episode, Shanda welcomes author, apologist, and professor Dr. Sean McDowell to the show to talk about one of the most important conversations Christians need to have—how to talk about God in a constantly shifting culture. Sean shares what inspired him to collaborate with multiple authors on his latest book and why timeless truth must be communicated with cultural awareness. They discuss the challenges Christians face when trying to share absolute truth in a world that believes everyth...
Jun 07, 2025•34 min•Season 21Ep. 292
In this episode, we explore what it means to be a woman according to Scripture—not culture. Shanda breaks down the difference between defining and describing womanhood, showing how God gives us a clear definition of what a woman is, and then describes her character through passages like Titus 2 and 1 Timothy. You’ll learn how identity in Christ shapes biblical womanhood, why the cultural view falls short, and how mentoring the next generation starts with sound doctrine. Find Shanda www.shandaful...
May 31, 2025•58 min•Season 22Ep. 291
In this episode, I’m joined by Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager from the Center for Biblical Unity. We dive into what true racial reconciliation looks like from a biblical worldview—and why the church must reject secular ideologies like Critical Race Theory in favor of gospel-centered truth. Monique and Krista share how their friendship began and how it laid the foundation for their ministry partnership. Monique unpacks her journey out of the framework of social justice ideology, while Krista ...
May 24, 2025•47 min•Season 22Ep. 290
In today’s episode, we’re diving into an important conversation about relationships—how to recognize real friendships from faux ones, and why understanding the Relationship Ladder is crucial for dating, friendships, and beyond. Inspired by a recent marriage retreat and my latest blog post, “Friend or Faux,” we’ll explore the five rungs of the relationship ladder: Knowledge, Recreation, Emotion, Spiritual, and Physical. We’ll talk about which apply to all relationships and which are reserved for ...
May 17, 2025•32 min•Season 21Ep. 289
In a time of rising global antisemitism and unrest, how do we make sense of the tension surrounding Israel, identity, and the Messiah? In this episode, we unpack the spiritual and prophetic threads woven throughout Scripture—many of which point unmistakably to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. David Brickner shares how he came to believe in Jesus, why even His earliest followers struggled to understand His mission, and why the human condition can't be fixed with a "do-over." We explore why God’...
May 11, 2025•43 min•Season 21Ep. 288
You’ve probably heard it before—“The church is a hospital for the sick.” But is that really what the Bible teaches about the purpose of the Church? In this episode, we dive into this popular phrase to ask some hard but necessary questions: Is the church primarily for the unsaved? Should believers take a backseat while the spiritually sick are treated? Or has our understanding of the Church’s mission been shaped more by culture than by Scripture? Listen in as we unpack the biblical role of the Ch...
May 03, 2025•38 min•Season 21Ep. 287
In today’s world of constant connectivity, many are feeling more isolated than ever. In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of The New Loneliness by Cindi McMenamin—a timely and powerful resource for anyone longing for deeper, more authentic relationships. We’ll talk about how our cultural environment and heavy reliance on technology have quietly eroded true connection, and how you can overcome today’s biggest relational obstacles with biblical wisdom and practical action. Join me as we ex...
Apr 26, 2025•32 min•Season 21Ep. 286
George Janko, Russell Brand—what do we do with popular influencers who are on a public faith journey? In this episode, I share my honest thoughts on the rise of online Christian voices, the risks of platforming spiritual newbies, and why discernment is so critical for believers—especially those still learning biblical truth. I’m not here to cancel anyone, but I am here to help you think critically about who you’re letting disciple you. I bring on my friend, Vanessa Hunt, to discuss the problems ...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 21Ep. 285
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the top three mental health struggles people are facing right now—anxiety, depression, and mood-related disorders. Our guest, Kenza Haddock, brings a powerful perspective that combines practical mental health strategies with a spiritual approach that’s helping people find real, lasting freedom. We’ll unpack her book The Three Enemies of Your Mental Health and talk about how to spot subtle mental health attacks, get to the root of what’s really going on, an...
Apr 13, 2025•39 min•Season 21Ep. 284
In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that stopped me in my tracks during my study of 1 John: "Many antichrists have come." What does that even mean? And how does it connect to the Antichrist we hear about in end-times prophecy? Here’s what we’re unpacking: What does the term “antichrist” actually mean? Who are the antichrists John talks about—and are they in the church today? What does Scripture really say about the coming Antichrist ? And how should we respond when we recognize antichr...
Apr 05, 2025•35 min•Season 21Ep. 283
In this episode, we dive into Case Files: Murder and Meaning , a gripping graphic novel created by real-life detectives and Christian apologists behind Cold-Case Christianity . The story follows Detective Michael “Murph” Murphy as he investigates a chilling series of murders in Los Angeles County, racing against time to stop a killer before they strike again. But Case Files is more than just murder and mystery—it’s a deep exploration of the value of human life and the brokenness of sin. Through ...
Mar 29, 2025•57 min•Season 21Ep. 282
How do you recognize God’s promises in your life? Unlike many Old Testament covenants, the Noahic Covenant wasn’t conditional—it was an unbreakable promise from God, sealed with the sign of the rainbow. That symbol wasn’t just a pretty after-storm moment; it was—and still is—a reminder that what God promises, He will fulfill. In this episode, we break down how to identify God’s promises in Scripture and your everyday life. We also tackle the history of the rainbow, its connection to the LGBT+ mo...
Mar 22, 2025•33 min•Season 21Ep. 281
What does it look like to live out your faith in a world that doesn't want to hear it? In this episode, I sit down with Natasha Crain to talk about her new book When Culture Hates You. We dig into what it means to be a Christian in a culture that's increasingly hostile to biblical truth - and how to stay grounded when your convictions are seen as offensive. Natasha brins clarity and encouragement for anyone wrestling with how to be faithful in a time when simply believing in Jesus can get you ca...
Mar 15, 2025•39 min•Season 22Ep. 280
Some pastors in the West don't like to mention the "s" word from the pulpit for fear of offending people. However, the Bible says you are either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. Karl Clauson is on the show to discuss why sin is the one thing that defeats you and why you have to reckon with it. Karl shares the difference between recognizing your sin and owning it, and why Christians can't be afraid to talk about sin. Karl is a big personality, and you will be encouraged to take your si...
Mar 08, 2025•37 min•Season 21Ep. 279
According to Open Doors, 1 in 7 Christians around the world were persecuted for their faith in 2024. Statistics show Christian persecution is on the rise. Although Jesus warned us the world would hate us because it hates Him, does that mean our response to persecution should be passive? In this episode, we look back at the attitude of bystanders during the Holocaust, and the reaction of the German church who went with the status quo. What can we learn from their example and what is the appropria...
Mar 01, 2025•42 min•Season 21Ep. 278
Why is there a fascination with the paranormal? Before becoming a Christian, Marcia Montenegro was involved in Eastern spiritual beliefs. She discusses her pursuit of New Age practices and the fascination with the supernatural realm. Marcia exposes Hollywood films, games, and other forms of entertainment that are targeting children by luring them in with occult themes. She provides a biblical basis for concern and what parents can do to protect their children from this seductive ideology that is...
Feb 22, 2025•56 min•Season 21Ep. 277
How can parents ensure they have the greatest infuence in their teen's life when statistics show teenagers are on their phones for at last eight hours a day? TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms compete for their attention (and even ours). Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries and creator of worldview curriculum and training for young people, talks about the DNA of influence and the key to being the greatest influence in a child's life. Dr. Myers helps thousands of studen...
Feb 15, 2025•29 min•Season 21Ep. 276
A few weeks ago, Marianne Budde scolded President Trump from behind a pulpit at the inaugural prayer breakfast. What does this say about the state of the church? Leadership changes every four years but the church is supposed to be the constant that holds the culture accountable to objective truth. Is the church being changed by the culture or is the culture changing the church? It's one or the other. We talk about the importance of knowing scripture and why speaking the truth matters now more th...
Feb 08, 2025•25 min•Season 21Ep. 275
Just because your kid is sitting in church every Sunday doesn't mean your kid is becoming a follower of Christ. Many parents assume their engaged and involved teen is sold out for Jesus, only to realize after the first semester of college that assuming he followed Jesus wasn't evidence enough. Ricky, a youth pastor and ministry leader, is on the show to talk about the challenges of discipling students in the 21st century. He shares the most prominent influences competing for the minds of our you...
Feb 01, 2025•59 min•Season 21Ep. 274
The cosmetic industry is a billion dollar industry with a projected sales increase on cosmetics and injections this year. More American women buy cosmetics than any other country in the world, spending money on makeup, facial products, and other noninvasive procedures like botox and fillers. What does this say about our perception of beauty and aging? In this episode we talk about how the culture defines beauty, what God says is beautiful, and some of my own struggles throughout the aging proces...
Jan 25, 2025•37 min•Season 21Ep. 273
You've heard of New Age but have you heard of New Thought? Even if you haven't you've likely been impacted by the messages coming from this movement shaping our self-obsessed world. From positive affirmations to the prosperity gospel, New Thought messages have slithered into the church through crafty teachers and tickled the ears of unsuspecting Christians. And you may have even read about New Thought ideas from the pages of your own self-help books. Melissa Dougherty, author of Happy Lies: How ...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 21Ep. 272
It's the start of a new year and everyone is setting goals and new year's resolutions. How can you make sure you set the right goals and accomplish them? In this episode we talk about how to set goals according to the way God created us: mind, body, and soul. You will be encouraged to plan for the obstacles that can get in the way of accomplishing your goals, and why you cannot set your goals based on what others are doing. This episode will help you start the new year strong and keep God first ...
Jan 12, 2025•53 min•Season 21Ep. 271
To recover means to "regain possession of." Why do we have to regain meaning in our culture? It's due to postmodernism and the message that meaning is not based on absolute truth. One of the questions every worldview answers is, "How should I live?" Annie Crawford is on the show to discuss how we can regain the meaning of life and the human need to connect what is true and beautiful to our purpose under the sun. Find Annie Crawford at http://anniecrawford.net Find Shanda www.shandafulbright.com ...
Jan 05, 2025•55 min•Season 21Ep. 270
The Bible is clear that children are a blessing from the Lord. Does how we conceive them matter to God and is there something morally wrong with reproductive technologies? Katie Breckenridge writes on the ethics of reproductive technologies and abortion for Salvo Magazine and Them Before Us, and she is on the show to share how Christians ought to think about and have these conversations with others. This episode is not meant to offend anyone who has conceived a child through reproductive technol...
Dec 29, 2024•54 min•Season 20Ep. 269
There is a difference between the relationship with God that was possible in the Old Testament compared to the relationship possible through Jesus. No one called God father in the Old Testament. The reconciliation offered through Christ made God not only approachable, but made the adoption into His family possible. There is no other religion known to man where God came to His own. And, there is no other religion known to man where God puts Himself in the position as your Father once you accept J...
Dec 21, 2024•41 min•Season 20Ep. 268
It's easy to see that Christmas is commercialized in our culture, but does that mean Christians shouldn't celebrate it? What about the Christians who celebrate Christmas and do Santa with their kids? Is that a sin? Shanda talks about Christmas myths and legends and the importance of a Christian's abiliity to explain why the virgin birth doesn't fall into either of these genres. Finally, Shanda touches on the "Christmas is pagan" debate and how to respond. Advent Study and 2025 Madalynn Faith Pla...
Dec 14, 2024•31 min•Season 20Ep. 267
