Life has a way of throwing curve balls and, every now and then, smacking us in the face with a bat. Author and podcaster Cynthia Yanof says it's in the mess of everyday life that God comes alongside us to guide us, and even show us how to laugh along the way. Join Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Cynthia for a discussion that will leave you laughing out loud and filled with hope, no matter how messy your life currently is. Find Cynthia's book, Life is Messy; God is Good:Sanity for the Everyda...
Mar 18, 2024•56 min
In a world consumed by youth and beauty, where worth is enmeshed with our ability to produce, how should we approach age? Author Missy Buchanan sits down with Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding for some "age myth-busting," and shows how our golden years should be our greatest years. Connect with Missy at https://missybuchanan.com/ We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels ...
Mar 11, 2024•57 min
How do you define hope? What do you hope for? Paul, writing to the believers in Rome, promised that hope would never put us to shame (Romans 5:5). So how do we reconcile that with all of the times that which we hoped for did not come to pass? Author Irwyn Ince joins Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez on this episode of Honestly, Though to discuss biblical hope, and how it powers us to do all that God calls us to do. Learn more about Irwyn Ince and purchase his latest book, Hope Ain't a Hustle , a...
Mar 04, 2024•49 min
The fourth commandment states, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy," and for thousands of years, faithful Jews around the world have abstained from working on the sacred day. Should Christians do the same? On the one hand, Paul said we are not under the law but under grace (Rom 6:14). On the other hand, all of the other commandments are restated in the New Testament. This week on Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding discuss the spirit of the law and what it ...
Feb 26, 2024•43 min
Is it possible to hear God's voice? How do you know if it's God. you, or something more sinister? This week on @HonestlyThoughThePodcast. Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding discuss the wide will of God and why we should be careful with the words "God said." Resources : Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael Horton. Buy HERE . We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it im...
Feb 19, 2024•44 min
Christians across the centuries have squirmed while reading some of the more graphic accounts of biblical warfare. Many have asked how a loving God could order such atrocities. Old Testament scholar Lindsey Ann Nickens joins Rebecca, Liz, and Nika to talk about the sexual nuances surrounding Old Testament warfare language and explain how God, indeed, is merciful in his judgment. We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we ...
Feb 12, 2024•58 min
The problem of evil is as old as time. But where did it originate, and why is it so pervasive? If you have ever wondered how a good God could allow such horror to permeate his creation, this podcast is for you. Dr. Ingrid Faro, professor at Northern Seminary, sits down with Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding to chat, answer the tough questions, and talk about her personal experience with the spiritual realm. Her latest book, Demystifying Evil: A Biblical and Personal Explanation ...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min
The Apostle Paul loved sports analogies. He told the Corinthians to run their race to win the prize and that he did not fight as one who "beats the air." The author of Hebrews told his readers to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and to run with perseverance the race set before us." Sports mirror the Christian walk. This week on Honestly, Though, Dr. Paul Putz, the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies and Assistant Director ...
Jan 29, 2024•49 min
Jalen Taylor was living his best life: a senior in college, popular with his friends, and multiple career opportunities. Then, for no apparent reason, he fell into a depression that he simply couldn't shake—not with counseling, not with medication, not with hospital care. Suicidal, he cried out to God. And God answered. Listen in as Jalen describes his encounter with Christ that led him out of the pit and into ministry. Learn more about Jalen's ministry through Alpha at: https://alphausa.org/ Fi...
Jan 22, 2024•50 min
Since the Da Vinci Code hit the New York Times Best Sellers list in 2003, questions and conspiracies have surrounded the Bible and its books. Why did the Gospel of John make it in but not the Gospel of Thomas? Or Mary? Why is the Catholic Bible different than the Protestant Bible, and which one is correct? Dallas Theological Seminary Professor and author Dr. Michael J. Svigel sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding to chat about Scripture, ancient texts, and Christian fiction. Dr. Svig...
Jan 15, 2024•52 min
Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding reflect on God's faithfulness in 2023 and anticipate all God will do in 2024 as they remind you that God is always making all things new. And that is good news for sinners like us. We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorit...
Jan 08, 2024•53 min
What happens when a pastor/theologian loses his faith? Matt Whitman, host of the Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast, sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez to talk about the massive cultural shifts of the last few decades, how they disassembled his faith, and how the Lord put it back together. If you've found faith tricky, if you wrestle with doubt, if faith feels complicated, then this show is for you. Find out more about Matt Whitman and enjoy his content at https://www.thetmbh.com/ , htt...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 10 min
Psychologists espouse what God's people have known since Israel's conception: there is great power in gratitude. Neuroscientists have shown that practicing thankfulness can create new neuropathways, even helping to heal past trauma. But why does God command his people to thank him ? Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding explore the "why" and "how" of thankfulness (and also talk about snakes). We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and ...
Nov 20, 2023•42 min
Well, we tried to have a conversation on sports and theology, but it went wildly wrong. So, instead, we surprised Nika Spaulding with her college athletic director and had a fantastic discussion on how coaches can shape kids for Christ. Find us on the following platforms: Honestly, Though : @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG( Rebecca Carrell : https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ; IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; Twitter: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell Liz Rodriguez : IG: @lizannrodrigue...
Nov 13, 2023•49 min
Jesus said, "Ask, seek, and knock. Paul told us to "pray without ceasing." Over and over again through Scripture, we see God moving miraculously on behalf of the saints. So what do we do when God tells us, "No"? This week on the show, our own Liz-Rod-on-the-Pod shares her unanswered prayers and the deep disappointment she's facing. However, even in the midst of her grief, she shows how God is still good. Thank you so much for listening to Honestly, Though. We are a non-commercial, non-Patreon sh...
Nov 06, 2023•55 min
The American Church faces a crisis of division. The people of God, however, have been here before. Thousands of years ago, the Kingdom of Israel suffered a devastating civil war. Psalm 133, a Psalm of Ascent, reminds us of God's heart for his Church and offers a way forward. If you enjoy the show, would you please consider rating and reviewing Honestly, Though ? Those reviews help others find us in the PodUniverse, and we deeply appreciate the love! Also, you can reach out to us personally to jo...
Oct 30, 2023•35 min
In 2017, Katy Hutson began the fight of her life. As she faced breast cancer head-on, she found solace and the Lord's comfort through poetry. This week on Honestly, Thougjh, Katy sits down with Rebecca and Nika to talk about poetry as the language of lament, and how God sustained her through the storm. Find out more about Katy and her latest book at https://www.katyhutson.com/ Resources : Now I Lay Me Down to Fight , Katy Hutson (Katherine J. Hutson) The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again , C...
Oct 23, 2023•43 min
Ask a room for of middle schoolers what they want to be when they grow up and over 75% will say, "YouTubers," "TikTokkers," or some other form of social media influencers. The truth is, God wired us to both be influenced and influence others. Dr. Jonathan Murphy of Dallas Theological Seminary sits down with Rebecca, Liz, and Nika to chat about authentic influence and why it matters. Connect with Dr. Murphy or purchase his book at https://sjonathanmurphy.com/ . If you enjoy the show, would you pl...
Oct 16, 2023•53 min
Does God feel distant? Is your faith floundering? The trials and heartaches of life can wear us thin, burn us out, and take us down. Enter Mary DeMuth. She wants to help you supercharge your faith with her 90-Da Bible Reading Challenge. Join us on this episode of Honestly, Though, as Mary shows us how the fastest way to a changed life is a transformed mind. Read more about Mary DeMuth and her books here: https://www.marydemuth.com/ Sign up for the 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge here: https://mar...
Oct 09, 2023•44 min
Little kids experience big emotions, and Licensed Professional Counselor Michelle Nietert wants to equip parents with the tools they need to help their children thrive in what many have deemed "The Age of Anxiety." Join Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding as they discuss the emotional climate of our culture and how it's affecting our kids. Find out more about Michelle Nietert and her books here: https://michellenietert.com/ If you enjoy the show, would you please consider rating a...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 4 min
What is "evangelicalism" What does it mean to be "evangelical?" The word has shifted in American culture over the last decade, but at its onset, it was a powerful movement that drew hundreds of thousands of people to Christ. This week on Honestly, Though , author and professor Dr. Karen Swallow Prior sits down with Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding to discuss her latest book, The Evangelical Imagination , and how the evangelical church can respond to our cultural crisis. Follow ...
Sep 25, 2023•51 min
We live in a cultural moment where image is everything. Indeed, we believe that changing the outside can fix the inside. Dr. Carmen Imes says nothing could be further from the truth. We find our truest selves when we cast our gaze upward and step into our God-ordained purpose. What is that purpose? Discover it today on this week's episode on Honestly, Though. Purchase Dr. Imes' latest book, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters HERE . Connect with Dr. Imes HERE . If you enjoy the show, w...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Beauty is a multi-billion dollar industry. But what is it actually selling us? Over the centuries, cultures have gone to extreme lengths to attain that which is deemed beautiful. While fashion and styles may change, there is a type of beauty that transcends understanding, that stirs up yearning inside us. Dr. Brian Chan, Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding to discuss the nature and origin of true beauty, and why we long for it. If you enjoy...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr
In this 100th episode, Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding look back over the last two years and forward to the future. Thank you for being a part of the Honestly, though listening family! We love you and the show wouldn't exist without you. Want to listen to the episodes we referenced? Here you go: Episode 90: Liz's Health Struggles: Losing Weight Without Losing Herself: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-90-lizs-health-struggles-losing-weight-without/id1588915377?i=10...
Sep 04, 2023•57 min
When John-the-Baptist first burst onto the first century scene, his message was simple: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Jesus preached the same message through the region of Galilee. The forgiveness of sins sits at the heart of the gospel. So what do we lose when we eliminate prayers of confession? Join Rebecca Carrell, Nika Spaulding, and Liz Rodriguez as they examine the issue through the lens of Scripture. Episcopal prayer of Confession: Most merciful God, we confess that we h...
Aug 28, 2023•46 min
Research shows that when a phone is in sight, anxiety goes up. So how does that affect the way we engage with God and the Bible when we read Scripture on our phone? If technology is not a neutral force, how is it forming us? Dr. John Dyer, Vice President for Enrollment Services and Educational Technologies and Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding to chat about the subtle ways technology is shaping us and how w...
Aug 21, 2023•52 min
What do the Scriptures say about how Christians should vote? Surprisingly, very little. The Bible does, however, reflect God's heart for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Jesus told his disciples to "Love your neighbor as yourself," and politics, when considered thoughtfully, are one of the best tools Christians have to do just that. Kaitlyn Schiess, author and co-host of The Holy Post, sits down with us to talk about how to love your neighbor with your ballot. Find Kaitlyn Schiess ...
Aug 14, 2023•49 min
Ephesus housed the great temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The goddess makes a cameo in Acts 19, but, until Dr. Sandra Glahn's groundbreaking work, has been largely neglected. How did the ancient deity impact the world of the New Testament and what impact did she have on Paul's letters? Dr. Glahn sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding to talk about Artemis and Greco-Roman religion, and how it should shape the way we read 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy. Dr....
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Several decades ago, males made up the majority of the trans population, representing less than a fraction of a percent of society. Suddenly, within the last fifteen years, girls are outpacing boys more than 3-1, with a much later onset. What has changed and how should parents respond? Dr. Katie J. McCoy sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding to discuss rapid-onset gender dysphoria and what parents aren't being told. Katie J. McCoy serves as director of Women’s Ministry at Texas Bapti...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 7 min
The Bible is made up of 66 books, but each book fits seamlessly into the Great Story of the Scriptures. In her latest Bible studies, Kat Armstrong invites us to step back and look at the big picture by tracing themes. You'll never look at sticks, stones, mountains, or valleys the same way again! Find Kat Armstrong at https://www.katarmstrong.com/ . Order Kat's Bible Studies: https://www.katarmstrong.com/the-storyline-project Follow Kat on the socials: @katarmstrong1 If you enjoy the show, would ...
Jul 17, 2023•57 min