Explore every episode of the podcast The Collide Podcast

What if the parts of your story you’d rather hide are the very places where Jesus wants to meet you, heal you, and bring hope to someone else?

The tables are turned on this special episode of The Collide Podcast! Former and current Collide staff members Kenna Warren, Kristen Behrends, and Michelle Holladay take over the microphones to interview Willow Weston about the deeply personal story behind her book, Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt. Willow shares how hiding in a closet from her mom became a pivotal moment that exposed wounds she still needed to heal, how God gave her the words “wounded collision,” and why she believes He asked her to live this message for years before finally writing it. Together, they talk about the courage required to tell the truth about our stories, why healing requires naming our pain, taking small steps of obedience toward a God-given dream, and what Willow has learned after years of watching Jesus meet women in the messiest parts of their lives. Ultimately, Willow wants every woman to know this: you are worthy of healing, Jesus can meet you in your pain, and He can even purpose your story to bring healing and hope to others.

Willow Weston is the founder and executive director of Collide, host of The Collide Podcast, and author of Collide. For years, Willow has invited women to get honest about their pain, collide with Jesus in the midst of it, and experience the healing and transformation only He can bring.

Her own story is at the heart of that message. What began as a deeply personal journey toward healing eventually grew into a ministry where Willow has watched women bring everything from broken relationships and self-harm to grief and feelings of worthlessness into the light and encounter Jesus there. Her book brings together Willow’s childhood experiences, stories of Jesus, and years of witnessing God bring transformation to women’s real lives.

• When you’re tempted to minimize your pain: Give yourself permission to be honest about it. Pain doesn’t have to be catastrophic to need healing; even small hurts can accumulate when they’re continually ignored.
• When telling your story feels scary: Remember that honesty can open the door for someone else to be honest too. Willow wrestled for years with how to tell the truth about her childhood without dishonoring the people she loved, but ultimately chose to share because she believes God can use her story to help others find healing.
• When you want to avoid the hardest parts of your story: Healing requires naming the pain. Writing and repeatedly editing painful memories was exhausting for Willow, but revisiting those places also brought new healing.
• When God’s timing feels incredibly slow: He may be asking you to live the story before you tell it. Willow originally thought she would write this book years ago, but now recognizes that the years of ministry gave her stories and experiences she never could have written about otherwise.
• When you feel too messy for God: Invite Him into the mess. Willow says the Jesus she has come to know doesn’t wait for us to get everything together—He meets us in our pain, wounds, and the chapters we never wanted in our stories.
• When your pain tells you something is wrong with you: Let Jesus tell you what is true. Pain may whisper that you aren’t loved, chosen, or worthy, but Jesus wants to set the record straight.
• When you wonder if your healing matters to anyone but you: It does. Willow believes that as we allow Jesus to heal our wounds, He can purpose those very stories to help bring hope and healing to others.

Jesus wants to collide with the real places of pain in your story and bring the healing, hope, and wholeness you may have thought were impossible. Your healing matters - and as Jesus restores your story, He can use it to bring hope and healing to the people around you too.

Mentioned in this episode:

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if your pain is the very place where Jesus wants to meet you? In this six-session companion to the book Collide, Willow Weston invites you on a journey to experience powerful moments in the Bible when Jesus collided with people that were wounded, outcast, and broken - and to discover how He wants to meet with you, too. Includes video access to 6 teaching sessions from Willow.

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

In this beautiful conversation, Willow sits down with bestselling novelist Melanie Dobson to talk about the profound power of story, the courage it takes to uncover forgotten parts of our past, and the God who faithfully writes redemption into even the most painful chapters.

Melanie has written more than thirty novels inspired by overlooked histories, ordinary heroes, and untold family stories. She shares how growing up in rural Ohio, discovering books through a traveling bookmobile, and escaping into stories during an unstable childhood shaped her calling as a writer.

Together, Willow and Melanie explore why Jesus taught through parables, how stories help us make meaning from our experiences, and why buried family narratives often continue impacting generations long after they are forgotten. Melanie vulnerably shares her own journey of discovering hidden pieces of her family's story and how God used those discoveries to bring understanding, healing, and hope.

Whether you're afraid to revisit painful memories, wondering if God can redeem your story, or simply longing to believe that your hard chapter isn't the end, this conversation reminds us that our lives are ultimately held by a God who specializes in resurrection endings.

• Why stories have the power to help us process pain and find healing

• The difference between healthy escape and unhealthy avoidance

• Why Jesus often taught through stories and parables

• How hidden family stories can impact future generations

• How God can redeem even the chapters we wish had never been written

Website: melaniedobson.com

Instagram: @melbdobson

Facebook: Melanie Dobson Fiction

Explore Melanie's collection of historical fiction and redemptive stories, including The Lost Story of Via Belle, Memories of Glass, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton.

Collide Book

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in March 2026 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

What does it really look like to live out the love of Jesus in everyday life?

In this inspiring and often hilarious conversation, Willow sits down with bestselling author, attorney, and founder of Love Does, Bob Goff. Known for his joyful spirit and unconventional approach to faith, Bob shares stories and wisdom about living a life that moves from the sidelines to the field—where love becomes something we do, not just something we talk about.

Bob reflects on the power of availability, why influence matters, and how taking a genuine interest in people can transform relationships. Through stories about answering phone calls from strangers, building friendships across the world, and helping others pursue their dreams, he challenges us to live courageously and intentionally.

He also shares a powerful spiritual practice of looking into both the “eye of forgiveness” and the “eye of responsibility” in Jesus—reminding us that faith invites both grace and growth.

This episode will leave you encouraged to live boldly, love deeply, and take your faith off the bleachers and onto the field.

• Why Bob spends nights at Disneyland giving strangers a shortcut to the front of the line
• Moving from watching life to actively participating in it
• The difference between controlling outcomes and influencing people
• Why being available might be one of the most powerful ways to love others
• The importance of taking a genuine interest in people’s stories

Bob Goff is a New York Times bestselling author, attorney, and founder of the nonprofit Love Does. Known for his contagious joy and practical approach to faith, Bob has inspired millions through books like Love Does and his global work advocating for justice, education, and opportunity. His life message is simple but powerful: love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do.

Collide Book

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What do you do when the challenges in your life feel bigger than your ability to overcome them? Kyle Pease knows what it is like to face limitations every day. Born with cerebral palsy, Kyle relies on caregivers for many of the ordinary tasks most people do without thinking. But instead of allowing those limitations to define what is possible, Kyle has spent his life challenging expectations—and encouraging others to do the same.

Kyle is a two-time Ironman World Championship triathlete, disability advocate, and Chief Inspirational Officer of the Kyle Pease Foundation, which he co-founded with his brother Brett. But one of the biggest transformations in Kyle's life came when he became a follower of Jesus in 2013. He shares how discovering God's love changed the way he faced life's challenges and gave him someone to lean on when life felt hard.

In this conversation, Kyle talks honestly about asking for help, living with visible limitations, dealing with dark days, and learning to rely on God. He also shares the journey that led him to complete an Ironman alongside his brother and how that experience became the foundation for helping others with disabilities discover what they are capable of.

If you're facing a goal that feels impossible, struggling with anxiety or discouragement, or wondering whether your limitations will always hold you back, Kyle's story will challenge you to take the next step. You may not know exactly how you'll reach the finish line, but you can trust God to meet you along the way.

Kyle Pease is a two-time Ironman World Championship triathlete, disability advocate, and the Chief Inspirational Officer of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Born with cerebral palsy, Kyle has spent his life redefining what's possible and advocating for people with disabilities.

Kyle became a follower of Jesus in 2013, and his faith has become central to the way he approaches life's challenges. Alongside his brother, Brett, he co-founded the Kyle Pease Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond. Through his story, athletics, advocacy, and faith, Kyle encourages people to see beyond limitations and discover what is possible when they take the next step.

• When your limitations feel defining:Learn to see yourself as more than the challenges people can see on the outside.
• When asking for help feels uncomfortable:Discover how vulnerability, humility, and allowing others to carry your burdens can strengthen your faith.
• When you want to give up:Remember that you don't have to finish the whole race today—just take the next step with God.
• When life feels impossible:Release the pressure you're carrying and invite God into your goals, struggles, and dreams.
• When you feel discouraged or stuck:Be reminded that every new day is a gift and an opportunity to see what God can do through your life.

Whatever impossible thing you're facing, you don't have to face it alone. Take the next step, ask God for what you need, and trust Him to meet you there—because your limitations do not have the final word.

If Kyle's story encouraged you, subscribe to the Collide Podcast and share this episode with someone who feels stuck, discouraged, or limited by the circumstances they're facing. Your review and share can help another woman discover a conversation that reminds her that God is still at work.

Kyle Pease Foundation: kylepeasefoundation.org

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if your pain is the very place where Jesus wants to meet you? In this six-session companion to the book Collide, Willow Weston invites you on a journey to experience powerful moments in the Bible when Jesus collided with people that were wounded, outcast, and broken - and to discover how He wants to meet with you, too. Includes video access to 6 teaching sessions from Willow.

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage people year after year.

This episode originally aired in April 2026 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

What if the stories of near-death experiences could reshape the way you understand God, heaven, and your purpose on earth?

In this fascinating episode of the Collide Podcast, Willow sits down with pastor and bestselling author John Burke to explore what more than 30 years of studying nearly 1,500 near-death experiences has taught him about eternity. John shares how his own journey from skeptical engineer to follower of Christ began while his father was dying of cancer, and how years of interviewing people from every continent have only strengthened his confidence in the God revealed throughout Scripture.

Together, they discuss the remarkable consistency found in near-death experiences across cultures and religions, why these accounts continue to point people toward Jesus, and how a biblical understanding of heaven can transform the way we live today. If you've ever wrestled with grief, questioned what happens after death, or wondered whether God is still pursuing those who seem far from Him, this conversation offers thoughtful insight and lasting hope.

John is the founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, a multisite church that has grown to more than 4,500 people since its launch in 1998. He is also the president of Gateway Leadership Initiative, equipping church planters and everyday Christians to “raise the church out of the culture.” John is a New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and has written several influential books, including No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and his newest work, Imagine the God of Heaven. He is passionate about helping people discover the real God revealed through Scripture and confirmed through thousands of NDEs. His story is a powerful example of curiosity transformed into calling.

Connect with John - Website | Instagram

• What near-death experiences really are—and why they matter
• The surprising commonalities people report across countries, cultures, and faith backgrounds
• How NDEs align with what Scripture teaches about heaven, God, and life after death
• Why John believes God continues pursuing people with grace until their very last moments
• What convinced him that these experiences cannot be explained by drugs, dreams, or hallucinations
• What people consistently describe about encountering Jesus, God's love, and heaven

If you've ever feared death, grieved someone you love, questioned God's goodness, or wondered whether heaven is truly real, this conversation will remind you that our hope in Christ is grounded in something far greater than wishful thinking. You'll walk away with fresh confidence in God's relentless love, renewed hope for eternity, and encouragement to live today with an eternal perspective.

Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in November 2025 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

Have you ever wondered if God is still working when your life feels ordinary?

Have you ever found yourself asking, "God, where are You?" Maybe you're walking through grief, burnout, unanswered prayers, or a season that feels painfully ordinary. You still believe God is good—but it's hard to feel His presence.

If you've ever struggled to trust God when life doesn't look the way you hoped, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that He is just as present in the hidden seasons as He is on the mountaintops.

Jenn is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker, bestselling author, and the co-founder and president of Bethel Music. For more than two decades, she has helped lead worship for millions around the world through songs like Goodness of God, Holy Forever, Gratitude, Raise a Hallelujah, and No Longer Slaves. In this honest conversation, Jenn shares what God has been teaching her about slowing down, embracing hidden seasons, parenting, worship, and learning to encounter His presence in everyday life.

• Why God's presence isn't limited to the mountaintop moments—and how to recognize Him in ordinary life.
• How slowing down can actually deepen your relationship with Jesus.
• What Jenn has learned about parenting adult children while trusting God with their stories.
• Why worship isn't just something we sing—it's a way of living.
• How to keep pursuing God when your prayers feel unanswered or your season feels hidden.

Friend, you don't have to chase extraordinary moments to experience God. He is already with you—in your kitchen, your commute, your waiting, your grief, and your ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Keep showing up. Keep listening. He delights in meeting you right where you are.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder that God hasn't forgotten her.

Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus.

🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide Shop

Mention: Do Not Drift - A message from Christine Caine

Connect with Jenn - Website | Spotify | All Things Lovely Book

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in December 2025 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

What if the small habits you practice every day are shaping your faith and health more than the big moments ever could?

Have you ever felt like you know what you should do, but you just can't seem to live it? Maybe you're exhausted, anxious, constantly distracted, or carrying guilt because your daily habits don't line up with the life you actually want.

If you've ever wondered why your faith feels strong in your mind but disconnected from your everyday life, this conversation will help you discover how small, intentional habits can bring healing to both your body and your soul.

Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, bestselling author, speaker, and father of four boys. After experiencing a devastating mental health collapse early in his legal career, Justin began studying the connection between spiritual formation, neuroscience, and everyday habits. His newest book, The Body Teaches the Soul, helps readers understand how ordinary routines—from sleep and technology to exercise and Scripture—shape their relationship with God.

• Why knowing the truth isn't always enough, and how your daily habits shape your soul
• How anxiety, exhaustion, and overwhelm may be connected to simple rhythms you can change
• Practical ways to replace unhealthy habits instead of piling on more spiritual obligations
• Why Scripture before your phone can completely change the tone of your day
• How caring for your physical body becomes an act of worship and spiritual formation

Friend, if you've been feeling overwhelmed, don't leave this episode thinking you need to overhaul your life overnight. Start with one small habit. One intentional choice. One moment of paying attention.

God isn't asking for perfection. He's inviting you into rhythms that make more room for His peace, His presence, and His grace.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who feels exhausted or stuck. It may be exactly the invitation they need.

Follow Justin

• Website:justinwhitmelearley.com
• Instagram:@justinwhitmelearley

Books

• The Body Teaches the Soul
• The Common Rule
• Habits of the Household
• Made for People

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Order Willow’s New Book! ECPA New Release Bestseller | Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide

Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

Watch on YouTube

Shop for good at the Collide Store

Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, events, freebies, resources and more!

Rate & Review

If today's conversation encouraged you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps more women discover hope through these conversations.

0:00 — Justin shares how a successful legal career led to an unexpected mental health crisis.

7:20 — The simple habit changes that began healing years of anxiety and burnout.

12:00 — "You can't think your way out of a problem you didn't think your way into."

18:00 — Why replacing habits—not adding more—is the key to lasting spiritual growth.

23:00 — What your body is trying to tell your soul about stress, rest, and God's design.

30:00 — Exercise, sleep, technology, and Scripture become spiritual disciplines that shape everyday life.

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in May 2024 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

What do you do when your body begins to fail, your future looks nothing like you imagined, and faith doesn't make the grief disappear?

Maybe you've been told to "just trust God," but underneath your brave face you're exhausted, grieving, or quietly wondering if anyone understands what you're carrying. If you've ever wrestled with suffering, chronic illness, loss, or the tension of holding both faith and heartbreak, this conversation will remind you that Jesus meets you honestly, not after you've cleaned yourself up.

Shelbi is a pastor, speaker, writer, and disability advocate living in Portland, Oregon. Diagnosed with the rare neuromuscular disease Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at age sixteen, Shelbi has spent years learning what it means to trust God while navigating chronic illness, progressive disability, grief, and mental health challenges. Today she encourages others to find God's presence in weakness and discover hope through honest faith.

• Why faith and grief were never meant to compete—and how they can exist together.
• How to stop pretending you're "fine" and begin bringing your honest emotions to God.
• What chronic illness taught Shelbi about identity, weakness, and God's grace.
• Why isolation nearly cost Shelbi everything—and how community became part of her healing.
• Practical ways to experience God's presence when suffering doesn't have an ending.

Friend, whatever you're carrying today, you don't have to pretend it isn't heavy in order to have faith. God isn't waiting for you to become stronger before He meets you. His grace is present right here—in your weakness, your questions, your tears, and your story.

If this conversation encouraged you, would you share it with someone who needs the reminder that they're not alone?

Collide Women’s Conference - Join us for a powerful one-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and encouragement to help you pursue healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

✨ Learn more and grab your ticket on our website.

Collide Counseling Bundle - This online course tackles the 12 most common issues women face in counseling, offering practical tools, expert advice, and encouragement from licensed mental health professionals. The course also includes a beautifully designed printed workbook (mailed to your door) filled with exercises, reflection space, and helpful resources to guide your healing journey.

Follow Shelbi - Instagram

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Order Willow’s New Book! ECPA New Release Bestseller\ Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide

🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

👀 Watch on YouTube

🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, events, freebies, resources and more!

0:00 — Shelbi's surprising journey from athlete to living with a rare muscular disease

5:45 — Receiving a life-changing diagnosis at sixteen and the unexpected peace that followed

13:00 — Why many Christians unknowingly skip grief—and why that's so dangerous

19:30 — Shelbi shares her mental health crisis, trauma recovery, and finding hope again

28:45 — How weakness became the place where she experienced God's presence most deeply

35:20 — Learning to receive God's grace one honest conversation at a time

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in September 2019 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

What if the biggest obstacle between you and your calling isn't failure, but fear?

Olympic gold medalist Laura Wilkinson shares the incredible true story behind one of the greatest comeback victories in Olympic history. From a devastating injury just months before the Olympics to standing atop the podium, Laura reveals how God met her in uncertainty, strengthened her through suffering, and taught her that faith isn't about certainty—it's about taking the leap.

Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Wilkinson knows what it feels like to stand at the edge of impossible.

Just months before the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Laura shattered her foot and was told her Olympic dreams were all but over. Instead of giving up, she spent weeks visualizing every dive, trusting God through disappointment, and preparing for what seemed impossible.

Against every expectation, Laura went from 8th place to Olympic Gold, completing one of the greatest comeback stories in Olympic diving history.

But this conversation isn't really about winning medals.

It's about learning how to trust God when life doesn't go according to plan.

Laura shares the lessons she learned through injury, disappointment, fear, motherhood, retirement, and stepping back into the unknown after God called her out of retirement to pursue another Olympic dream.

If you've ever wondered whether God can still use your setbacks, this conversation will encourage you to keep taking the next faithful step.

• How to trust God when your dreams seem impossible
• Why perseverance is built through pain—not comfort
• What Laura learned after nearly losing her Olympic dream
• Why your identity must be rooted in Christ—not your accomplishments
• Why obedience often requires jumping before you know how you'll land
• How God uses setbacks to prepare us for His greater purpose
• What it means to find purpose beyond performance

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Order Willow’s New Book. A New Release Bestseller! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide

🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

👀 Watch on YouTube

🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, events, freebies, resources and more!

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in June 2023 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

Have you ever wondered if God is speaking, but you're just missing it?

Maybe you've prayed, waited, and wondered why God feels silent. Or perhaps you've convinced yourself that hearing from God is something reserved for pastors, "super spiritual" Christians, or people with extraordinary faith.

What if the biggest obstacle isn't that God isn't speaking...but that fear, shame, or old wounds have made it difficult to recognize His voice?

In this deeply encouraging conversation, Willow sits down with author and pastor Mike Neelley to explore how healing our hearts often becomes the doorway to hearing God's heart.

Does God really speak today?

If you've ever questioned whether God still communicates—or wondered why He seems silent when you need Him most—this conversation will breathe fresh hope into your faith.

Author and pastor Mike Neelley joins Willow to discuss his book, Hearing the Heartbeat of God, and shares how years of ministry, inner healing, and learning to recognize God's love transformed the way he experiences prayer.

Together they unpack the misconceptions many Christians carry about hearing God's voice, why fear often keeps us from intimacy with God, and the surprising ways God is already communicating with us every single day.

Rather than focusing on simply hearing God's voice, Mike invites us to discover something even deeper: learning to hear God's heart.

Whether you're longing for deeper intimacy with Jesus, wrestling with spiritual silence, or simply wondering where to begin, this episode offers practical encouragement and hope for your journey.

• How childhood wounds and past experiences shape the way we hear (or don't hear) God
• Why healing often precedes hearing God's voice
• The many unexpected ways God communicates—including through friends, books, nature, music, and everyday moments
• How to discern God's invitations in ordinary life

• New Book: A Longing for More: Deeper, Wider, Further With the Holy Spirit by Michael Neelley
• Hearing the Heartbeat of God by Michael Neelley
• Can You Hear Me? Tuning Into the God Who Speaks by Brad Jersak
• The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson
• Reading the Bible with the Damned by Bob Ekblad
• The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

If today's conversation encouraged you, we'd love to hear from you! Share this episode with a friend who longs to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus, and let us know what stood out to you.

Subscribe to The Collide Podcast so you never miss an episode, and explore more resources designed to help women find healing, hope, and freedom in Christ.

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Order Willow’s New Book!

National Bestseller | Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide

🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, events, freebies, resources and more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if your pain is the very place where Jesus wants to meet you? In this six-session companion to the book Collide, Willow Weston invites you on a journey to experience powerful moments in the Bible when Jesus collided with people that were wounded, outcast, and broken - and to discover how He wants to meet with you, too. Includes video access to 6 teaching sessions from Willow.

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

Throughout the summer, we're revisiting some of our most meaningful conversations - stories of hope, healing, and life-changing collisions with Jesus that continue to encourage women year after year.

This episode originally aired in January 2024 and we're grateful to share it again with you.

Whether you're listening for the first time or returning to it again, we pray it meets you right where you are and reminds you of God's faithfulness, grace, and redeeming love.

How can we better support teen girls facing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts?

In this episode, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Kristi Knipp shares her wisdom and experience from years of working with teen girls struggling with mental health. Kristi’s compassionate approach blends clinical insight with practical tools and a deep value for identity, community, and hope. This honest and encouraging conversation explores how we can come alongside young women in their hardest moments with presence, empathy, and truth.

Meet Kristi Knipp

Kristi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with teenagers navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her work is rooted in a belief that healing happens in safe, empowering spaces. Outside of her counseling work, Kristi enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What signs to watch for when a teen is struggling
• How to respond to suicidal ideation with care and clarity
• Why identity and belonging are critical for emotional health
• The power of validation and presence over fixing
• Practical ways to support teens through anxiety and depression

How This Episode Will Encourage You

Whether you're a parent, teacher, youth leader, or friend, this conversation will equip you to show up for the teen girls in your life with more understanding and confidence. You'll walk away with insights that bring light to dark places, help you stay grounded in hard conversations, and remind you that healing is possible—even in the most overwhelming seasons.

Check Out These Resources Inspired by This Episode

• Collide Counseling Bundle - This online course tackles the 12 most common issues women face in counseling, offering practical tools, expert advice, and encouragement from licensed mental health professionals. The course also includes a beautifully designed printed workbook (mailed to your door) filled with exercises, reflection space, and helpful resources to guide your healing journey.
• 5 Week Guide to Manage Your Anxiety – Get expert advice from counselors, plus guided exercises, reflections, and tools to help you find peace and trust in the midst of anxiety.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

Why do friendships feel so hard and are they even worth fighting for?

In this honest and empowering conversation, Willow sits down with friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson to unpack the complexities of female friendships—from unmet expectations and conflict to healing after hurt.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted by friendships, questioned your worth in relationships, or wondered if it’s easier to just do life alone… this episode is for you.

Because the truth is: The very place you’ve been hurt might also be the place God wants to bring healing.

• You weren’t meant to do life alone. Friendship isn’t optional—it’s essential to your well-being.
• Unspoken expectations create silent resentment. Healthy friendships require clear, honest communication.
• Conflict can deepen connection. When handled well, it actually brings people closer.
• Healing happens in community. The risk of relationships is also where transformation happens.
• Not every friend can meet every need. Healthy women build relational diversity, not dependency on one person.

Connect with Danielle

Website | daniellebayardjackson.com

Friend Forward Podcast | Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Women's Relational Health Institute | womensrelationalhealthinstitute.com

Instagram | @daniellebayardjackson

Book | Fighting for our Friendships (available on Amazon or wherever books are sold)

Collide Book

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What do you do when motherhood looks nothing like you imagined?

In this honest and deeply moving conversation, Willow sits down with Elizabeth Mosser to talk about parenting through unexpected challenges, navigating grief, and discovering how God meets us right in the middle of our pain.

Elizabeth shares her journey from a vision of “normal” family life to raising a daughter with a rare form of epilepsy and special needs—along with the emotional, spiritual, and relational impact it had on her entire family.

This episode is a powerful reminder that:

• You don’t have to hide your grief to be a good mom
• God isn’t afraid of your honest emotions
• And your pain is never wasted when placed in His hands

Together, Willow and Elizabeth unpack what it looks like to:

• Create a home rooted in forgiveness and emotional safety
• Let your faith move from head knowledge to lived experience
• Stop “counting it all as joy” in a performative way—and instead discover the joy of what God produces through suffering
• Model healthy emotional processing for your kids instead of pretending everything is okay
• Find purpose and meaning in seasons that feel overwhelming and unclear

Elizabeth vulnerably shares how unprocessed grief often shows up as anger, control, or burnout—and how learning to slow down, name her emotions, and invite God into them transformed her parenting and her faith.

You’ll also hear:

• Why creating an “ecosystem of forgiveness” in your home changes everything
• How to help your kids develop emotional resilience and compassion
• What it looks like to grieve honestly with God without losing your faith
• And why your story—no matter how painful—can become a source of hope for others

This episode will gently challenge the belief that you need to hold it all together… and instead invite you into a deeper, more honest relationship with Jesus—one where your pain becomes a place of connection, not shame.

Follow Elizabeth:

• Website: intentionalparents.org
• Podcast: Intentional Parents Podcast (available wherever you listen)
• Instagram: @intentional_parents

Collide Book

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💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if your pain is the very place where Jesus wants to meet you? In this six-session companion to the book Collide, Willow Weston invites you on a journey to experience powerful moments in the Bible when Jesus collided with people that were wounded, outcast, and broken - and to discover how He wants to meet with you, too. Includes video access to 6 teaching sessions from Willow.

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if reconnecting with God didn’t require more effort, but more honesty?

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Willow sits down with Allison Byxbe to talk about what it really looks like to feel disconnected from God… and how to find your way back.

After walking through a devastating diagnosis for her son, Allison found herself in a season where faith felt confusing, distant, and colorless. The way she once connected with God no longer worked, and she didn’t know how to move forward.

But in the middle of that pain, God gently invited her into something new.

Through journaling.

Not perfect words.

Not polished prayers.

Just honest, raw connection.

In this episode, Allison shares how journaling became a powerful spiritual practice that helped her process grief, ask hard questions, and slowly rediscover God’s presence—even in the middle of a 10-year valley.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, numb, or unsure how to talk to God anymore… this conversation will meet you right where you are.

• Why feeling disconnected from God is more common than you think
• How journaling can help you process pain and reconnect with Him
• The power of honesty in your relationship with God
• How to find God in the middle of long, hard seasons
• Why your “old way” of connecting with God might not work anymore—and what to do instead

Ask this one question each day...

“God, where did I see You today?”

Write whatever comes to mind.

No pressure. No perfection. Just presence.

• Connect with Allison: Website | Book: Journaling as a Spiritual Practice

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💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

In this encouraging episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Emily Assell to talk about the challenges of staying connected to God during the busy, exhausting seasons of motherhood. Emily shares how moms can let go of unrealistic expectations, release guilt, and discover that God is present in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Whether you're juggling endless responsibilities, feeling spiritually depleted, or wondering if you're doing enough, this conversation will remind you that God meets you right where you are. You don't have to earn His presence or create the perfect quiet time to experience His love and grace.

Emily Assell is an author, speaker, homeschooling mom, and creator of resources that encourage women and families in their faith journey. Her latest book, Wherever You Are: Devotions and Declarations for Moms, offers practical encouragement and biblical truth for moms navigating the beautiful and often overwhelming realities of motherhood. Emily is passionate about helping women encounter God in everyday life and find freedom from perfectionism and pressure.

• How to connect with God even when life feels busy and chaotic
• Why guilt and perfectionism can keep moms feeling spiritually defeated
• Practical ways to invite God into ordinary daily moments
• How God's grace meets you exactly where you are in your motherhood journey

If you've ever felt like you're failing spiritually because motherhood leaves little time for yourself, this conversation will bring a deep breath of relief. Emily offers practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and a fresh perspective that will help you experience God's presence without pressure. You'll leave feeling reminded that God sees you, loves you, and is walking with you through every moment of motherhood.

Collide Book

Connect with Emily: Instagram | Generaction Claimed | Books

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if your pain is the very place where Jesus wants to meet you? In this six-session companion to the book Collide, Willow Weston invites you on a journey to experience powerful moments in the Bible when Jesus collided with people that were wounded, outcast, and broken - and to discover how He wants to meet with you, too. Includes video access to 6 teaching sessions from Willow.

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you prayed it would?

In this honest and powerful episode, Willow sits down with Nicci Smith—known by many as Tanner’s mom from Love on the Spectrum—to talk about the journey she never expected and the God who met her in it.

When Nicci first received her son’s autism diagnosis, she was overwhelmed with fear, grief, and uncertainty. Like many moms, she found herself asking: What does this mean for his future? What does this mean for our family?

But what unfolded over the years wasn’t the story she feared—it was something deeper, richer, and more meaningful than she could have imagined.

This conversation is for the woman who:

• Feels like she’s living a story she didn’t choose
• Is grieving what she thought life would look like
• Is exhausted from trying to “fix” or control the outcome
• Wonders if God is still at work in the middle of it all

Nicci vulnerably shares how it took over a decade to move from striving and fear into true surrender—and how that shift changed everything.

You’ll hear how God used Tanner’s life not just to shape their family, but to impact millions through his joy, authenticity, and love for people.

• Why surrender—not striving—is the turning point in hard seasons
• How to redefine success when life looks different than expected
• The tension between pursuing help and trusting God’s plan
• What it looks like to grieve honestly and still hold onto faith
• How God can use what feels like weakness to impact others in powerful ways

• Instagram | instagram.com/nicci_smith6/
• Podcast: Talk To Me, Sis | Apple Podcasts

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What if healing doesn’t require you to try harder, but to feel safe enough to try softer?

Licensed professional counselor, trauma therapist, and bestselling author Aundi Kolber joins Willow for an honest conversation about trauma, faith, emotional health, and what it actually looks like to heal. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her own experience with childhood trauma, Aundi explains how survival strategies like white-knuckling, over-functioning, and reading the room can protect us when we’re young but eventually keep us disconnected from ourselves. Together, Willow and Aundi explore why trauma lives in the body, the importance of safe relationships and therapy, setting down old family roles, and the myths that tell us we should be able to heal by simply trying or praying harder. Aundi offers a beautiful picture of Jesus as Emmanuel—God with us—who doesn’t ask us to get over our pain before coming to Him, but meets us right in the middle of it.

Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor, trauma therapist, author, and speaker known for her work at the intersection of faith, emotional health, and nervous system healing. She is the author of Try Softer and Strong Like Water and specializes in helping people understand how trauma impacts both the mind and body.

Aundi’s work is deeply personal. Having experienced significant childhood trauma herself, she knows what it’s like to appear capable and successful on the outside while internally living in survival mode. Her own healing journey helped shape her passion for helping others move beyond simply knowing truth intellectually toward actually experiencing healing in their bodies, relationships, and connection with God.

• When the coping mechanisms that once protected you stop serving you: Honor why they were there. Aundi explains that strategies like white-knuckling, over-functioning, and constantly reading the room may have helped you survive—but healing can involve learning that you’re safe enough now to respond differently.
• When your childhood experiences feel “normal” to you: Another safe person can help you see your story more clearly. Therapy and healthy relationships can provide a corrective experience that helps you recognize that what happened wasn’t okay—and that it wasn’t necessarily about you.
• When your family still expects you to play an old role: Remember that you have agency. Healing can mean finding safe relationships, developing healthy boundaries, and learning to tolerate other people not liking the healthier version of you.
• When you think you should be healed by now: Let go of the timeline. Aundi reminds us that the more complicated the trauma, the more complex healing may be—and there is no shame in that.
• When your body is telling you something: Listen with compassion. Trauma can remain embodied long after an experience is over, and healing includes learning to pay compassionate attention to your mind, body, and spirit.

Jesus wants to collide with your real story and your real pain, not a cleaned-up version of it. He meets you there with love instead of shame and invites you toward the safety, healing, and wholeness He desires for you.

• Website: aundikolber.com
• Instagram: @aundikolber
• Substack: substack.com/@aundikolber
• Books: Try Softer, Strong Like Water

Collide Book

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

Have you ever found yourself in a season of life you didn’t sign up for?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole Unice to talk about navigating life’s unexpected seasons, grief, and the challenges that come when everything familiar changes. Nicole shares her personal journey of leaving full-time ministry, moving through uncertainty, and leaning into God’s faithfulness when life felt unfair. Through her story, she offers insights on faithfulness, emotional health, and discovering God’s blessings even in the pit moments of life. Whether you’re facing loss, change, or a season you never planned, this episode will remind you that God is with you, shaping your story in ways you can’t yet see.

Meet Nicole Unice

Nicole is a pastor, author, speaker, and former therapist with decades of experience helping people connect their emotional and spiritual lives. She is the author of Not What I Signed Up For, The Struggle is Real, and other faith-centered books that guide readers through life’s hard chapters. Nicole is passionate about helping women navigate grief, uncertainty, and unexpected life changes while remaining rooted in faith. Her story is a powerful example of resilience, courage, and faithfulness through seasons no one plans for.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to navigate grief and loss in seasons you didn’t anticipate.
• Why faithfulness doesn’t always look like strength or victory—it can be as simple as staying with God.
• How to reframe blessing and see God’s work in unexpected places.
• Practical ways to hold your emotions while deepening trust in God’s plan.

How This Episode Will Encourage You

This conversation will inspire you to embrace God’s presence in difficult seasons, release the pressure to “fix” your life immediately, and find freedom and hope in the midst of uncertainty. Nicole’s insights offer practical and spiritual encouragement for anyone feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in life’s “not what I signed up for” moments.

Connect with Nicole

Website: nicoleunice.com

Books: Not What I Signed Up For, The Struggle Is Real, Brave Enough, She’s Got Issues

Collide Book

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

What if your pain is the very place where Jesus wants to meet you? In this six-session companion to the book Collide, Willow Weston invites you on a journey to experience powerful moments in the Bible when Jesus collided with people that were wounded, outcast, and broken - and to discover how He wants to meet with you, too. Includes video access to 6 teaching sessions from Willow.

Collide Bible Study | A Six Week Journey Toward Healing

Are you tired of feeling stuck in cycles of shame, overthinking, or never quite getting it right?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Whittle to talk about how shame, misplaced priorities, and hidden idols quietly take hold in our lives—and keep us from experiencing the freedom God has for us. She shares about her unexpected journey into ministry, how pain shaped her calling, and what it really looks like to put Jesus over everything.

Whether you’re battling shame, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or longing for a fresh start with God, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to come back and experience soul-deep renewal.

Lisa is an author, Bible teacher, podcast host, and ministry leader who has written nearly ten books and studies focused on helping women follow Jesus with integrity and depth. She also leads Ministry Strong, where she equips leaders to serve God faithfully for the long haul. Lisa is passionate about helping women break free from shame, live with purpose, and keep Jesus at the center of their lives.

• How God often uses pain and hardship to reveal your calling and purpose
• The subtle ways idols and “over behaviors” (like overthinking, overworking, or overindulging) take over your life
• Why shame keeps so many women stuck—and how to break free from it
• What it practically looks like to put Jesus first and experience real soul revival

This episode will help you take an honest look at what’s been holding you back and remind you that freedom is possible. You’ll be encouraged to release shame, realign your priorities, and come back to God just as you are—knowing He meets you there with grace, healing, and hope.

https://store.wecollide.net/products/collide-running-into-healing

Connect with Lisa: lisawhittle.com

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

How do you take heartbreak, loss, and life’s unexpected struggles and turn them into purpose, healing, and impact?

In this powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Mike McEvoy to talk about finding purpose in pain and using your gifts to serve others. Mike shares about starting Construction for Change in college, building schools and hospitals around the world, and navigating the heartbreak of losing a child while growing his family. He offers insights on faith, grief, service, and living a life that truly makes a difference. Whether you’re navigating hardship, seeking purpose, or longing to serve, this episode will remind you that your pain can be purposed for good.

Meet Mike McEvoy

Mike McEvoy is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Construction for Change, a nonprofit that has built over 130 schools and hospitals in 23 countries. He has spent nearly 20 years combining his construction expertise with a heart for global service. Mike is passionate about empowering communities, walking alongside partners, and showing that even the most difficult life experiences can be transformed into purpose and impact.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How Mike turned his college passion and skills into a global nonprofit serving communities worldwide
• Lessons from navigating personal heartbreak and grief while trusting God’s plan
• The importance of integrating faith with action—living both vertically with God and horizontally with others
• Practical ways to use your unique gifts and experiences to make a meaningful impact

How This Episode Will Encourage You

This episode will inspire you to see your struggles and losses not as the end of your story, but as opportunities to create purpose, hope, and transformation. You’ll gain practical insights, renewed faith, and encouragement to live a life that truly matters—right where you are.

Learn more about Construction for Change on thier website: constructionforchange.org

https://store.wecollide.net/products/collide-running-into-healing

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What if the parts of your story you want to hide are the very places God wants to use to bring healing and purpose?

In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Willow sits down with author and speaker Mary DeMuth to talk about what it means to “re-story” your life.

Mary shares her personal journey of walking through trauma, healing, and ultimately discovering that God doesn’t waste our pain - He transforms it. Together, they unpack the powerful truth that an untold story cannot be healed, and how bringing our stories into the light is the first step toward freedom.

You’ll hear practical ways to begin processing your story, how to recognize the “footprints of God” in your past, and why healing is not a one-time moment but a layered journey. Mary also speaks to the fear many of us carry about reopening wounds and how to do so safely, with support and grace.

This episode is an invitation to stop believing the lies that have kept you silent and instead step into a new chapter, one where your story becomes a source of healing, not just for you, but for others.

• Why “an untold story will never heal.”
• What it means to reframe (or “re-story”) your life
• How to begin processing your story in safe and healthy ways
• The role of community and vulnerability in healing
• Why forgiveness is a repeated, layered journey—not a one-time decision
• How to identify God’s presence in your past, even when it felt silent
• Practical steps to move forward and create a different ending to your story

Your past may shape your story—but it doesn’t have to define your future. With God, even the most painful chapters can be rewritten into something beautiful, meaningful, and full of purpose.

Connect with Mary DeMuth on social media: @marydemuth

Visit her website: marydemuth.com

Check out her book: Restory Your Life

https://store.wecollide.net/products/collide-running-into-healing

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Links referenced in this episode:

• marydemuth.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

How do we help our girls find unshakeable worth in a world constantly tearing them down?

When Erin Weidemann moved from the beaches of California to the snowy landscape of Montana, she had no idea God was preparing a season of profound transformation. A former educator, cancer survivor, and founder of Truth Becomes Her and the Bible Belles series, Erin is passionate about helping girls—and the women raising and loving them—discover their identity in Christ.

In this conversation, Erin shares how growing up without a personal faith, walking away from God at 16, and later facing a shocking cancer diagnosis in her 20s forced her to confront the real questions: Who am I? Why am I here? And what does God want from my life?

As she tells her story, Erin reveals how God redirected her from the finance world into teaching, where she saw firsthand how desperately girls need guidance, truth, confidence, and identity rooted in Scripture. Her passion deepened when she became pregnant with her first daughter and realized how much healing and truth she still longed for in her own life.

This honest, hope-filled episode will encourage any woman who has struggled with identity, battled fear, questioned her calling, or wondered how to raise confident girls in a confused culture. Erin’s story is a powerful reminder that God uses even the most painful chapters—like illness, insecurity, or uncertainty—to build purpose, resilience, and Kingdom impact.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• How cancer became the turning point that woke Erin up to God’s calling
• Why girls today are struggling so deeply with identity and comparison
• Erin’s journey from finance to teaching—and how ministry was born in the classroom
• The heart behind Bible Belles and Truth Becomes Her
• How becoming a mom exposes our unhealed places—and invites God to restore them
• What it looks like to develop godly leadership and confidence in young girls
• How God uses suffering to shape purpose, calling, and spiritual resilience

Whether you're a mom, mentor, teacher, or simply a woman wanting to walk confidently in who God created you to be, Erin’s story will inspire you to step into your identity with courage and intention.

https://store.wecollide.net/products/collide-running-into-healing

Connect with Erin on her Website: erinweidemann.com

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What if the people the world overlooks are the very ones God loves to work through most?

In this honest and encouraging episode of the Collide Podcast, Willow Weston sits down with Brant Hansen to talk about finding joy and purpose in the midst of pain, skepticism, and feeling like an outsider. Brant opens up about his difficult childhood, a turbulent relationship with his father, and how these experiences shaped his perspective on faith, life, and ministry.

• How being on the spectrum gave Brant a unique lens for understanding others and connecting with the underdog.
• The importance of loyalty to God over relying on fleeting emotions.
• How God uses childhood wounds and personal quirks for greater purpose.
• Practical ways to maintain a vibrant faith even when life or church culture doesn’t feel “normal.”
• Stories of God showing up for the desperate and overlooked, reminding us that He is a God for the underdog.

Brant’s insights are a gift for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit in, struggled with comparison, or wondered if God could use them despite their quirks and past pain.

Meet Brant Hansen

Brant is a bestselling author, nationally syndicated Christian radio host, and advocate for children with treatable disabilities. His work encourages those who feel like misfits to embrace their uniqueness and find a faith that makes sense. Brant’s show reaches over 200 stations in the US and Canada, and his podcast with his wife has garnered over 19 million downloads. He’s the author of several books, including Life is Hard, God is Good, Let's Dance and Blessed Are the Misfits.

Collide Book

Connect with Brant on his Website: branthansen.com

Books: Life is Hard, God is Good, Let's Dance & Blessed Are the Misfits

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Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What if the biggest things holding you back from counseling…aren’t even true?

In this honest and hope-filled episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with counselor Carrie Cochran MA, LMHC, NCC to talk about the biggest myths that keep women from seeking counseling. From believing therapy is only for “serious problems” to fearing it means you’re weak or lacking faith, Carrie compassionately unpacks the lies that keep so many women stuck.

We talk about what actually happens when we ignore stress and trauma, how the nervous system holds unprocessed pain, and why your body may be signaling that it’s time for support. Carrie explains that therapy isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about uncovering your authentic self, the woman God created you to be before life layered on wounds and stress.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, old trauma, or simply feeling “off,” this episode will remind you that you are worthy of healing—and that saying yes to help is an act of courage, not failure.

Collide Book

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What does it really look like to live out the love of Jesus in everyday life?

In this inspiring and often hilarious conversation, Willow sits down with bestselling author, attorney, and founder of Love Does, Bob Goff. Known for his joyful spirit and unconventional approach to faith, Bob shares stories and wisdom about living a life that moves from the sidelines to the field—where love becomes something we do, not just something we talk about.

Bob reflects on the power of availability, why influence matters, and how taking a genuine interest in people can transform relationships. Through stories about answering phone calls from strangers, building friendships across the world, and helping others pursue their dreams, he challenges us to live courageously and intentionally.

He also shares a powerful spiritual practice of looking into both the “eye of forgiveness” and the “eye of responsibility” in Jesus—reminding us that faith invites both grace and growth.

This episode will leave you encouraged to live boldly, love deeply, and take your faith off the bleachers and onto the field.

• Why Bob spends nights at Disneyland giving strangers a shortcut to the front of the line
• Moving from watching life to actively participating in it
• The difference between controlling outcomes and influencing people
• Why being available might be one of the most powerful ways to love others
• The importance of taking a genuine interest in people’s stories

Bob Goff is a New York Times bestselling author, attorney, and founder of the nonprofit Love Does. Known for his contagious joy and practical approach to faith, Bob has inspired millions through books like Love Does and his global work advocating for justice, education, and opportunity. His life message is simple but powerful: love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

In this special takeover episode of the Collide Podcast, the mic flips as Collide team members Kenna, Kristen, and Michelle step in as hosts to interview founder Willow Weston about her new book, Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt.

Instead of asking the questions, Willow becomes the guest—sharing the deeply personal story behind the message she’s been living and teaching for years. From childhood wounds and the fear of telling her story, to the moment she realized unhealed pain can shape the way we love others, Willow opens up about the journey that led to writing this book.

Through years of ministry walking alongside women, she has witnessed how Jesus meets us in the hardest places of our stories—and how healing begins when we finally stop hiding our pain.

Whether you’re carrying wounds from long ago or navigating something painful right now, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to walk through it alone.

Willow Weston is the founder of Collide, a ministry devoted to helping women experience healing through honest conversations about pain and faith. She is the author of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt. For years, Willow has walked alongside women through classes, conferences, and mentoring—inviting them to bring their real stories to Jesus and experience His healing presence.

• The powerful story behind Willow’s new book Collide
• Why facing our wounds is the first step toward real healing
• How sharing our stories can bring freedom and healing to others
• What Willow has witnessed God do in the lives of women through the Collide ministry

If you’ve ever wondered whether your pain is too messy, too old, or too small for God to care about, this episode will remind you that healing is possible. As Willow shares both her story and the stories of women she’s walked alongside, you’ll be encouraged to bring your own wounds to Jesus—and discover how He can transform pain into purpose.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

Have you slowly disappeared inside motherhood and wondering how to find yourself again?

In this honest and empowering episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Alli Worthington to talk about what happens when moms lose themselves while raising their children. Alli shares about the silent resentment that can build when women never advocate for their own needs, the fear of being “selfish,” and why so many good moms secretly feel like they’re failing.

From the “Aunt Shirley” syndrome of over-giving to the emotional crash of the empty nest season, Alli offers practical wisdom on how to remain who God created you to be — even in the thick of carpool lines, laundry piles, and late-night worry.

Whether you’re exhausted with little ones, overwhelmed in the teenage years, or staring down a new season of transition, this episode will remind you that you are still called, still valuable, and still becoming.

Alli Worthington is a bestselling author, speaker, business coach, and host of The Alli Worthington Show. She has written multiple books, including Remaining You While Raising Them, and has spent years coaching women in life and business. A mom of five boys and a passionate advocate for women’s emotional and spiritual health, Alli is dedicated to helping women break free from burnout, guilt, and limiting beliefs so they can step fully into their God-given calling.

• How to recognize the signs that you’ve lost yourself in motherhood
• Why the fear of being selfish keeps so many moms stuck
• The “magic question” every woman should ask herself daily
• How to navigate transitions (like kids going to kindergarten or college) without losing your grounding
• What to do when mom guilt feels overwhelming
• How to discern between God’s conviction and the enemy’s shame
• Why modeling self-worth teaches your kids their worth

This conversation will help you release unrealistic expectations, quiet the voice of shame, and embrace a healthier, more joyful version of motherhood. You’ll be reminded that you don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom — and that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential.

If you’ve been gritting your teeth and telling everyone you’re “fine,” this episode is your permission to breathe, reset, and remember who you are.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What do you do when the miracle you’ve prayed for never comes?

In this honest and powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Rachel Wojo to talk about praying through heartbreak, anger, and unimaginable loss. After walking through 22 years of caring for her daughter Taylor, who suffered from a rare metabolic disorder known as Sanfilippo syndrome, Rachel faced every parent’s worst fear—and found that God was still present in the pain.

She shares about the years of pleading with God for healing, and the raw anger she brought to Him in prayer. Whether you’re navigating grief, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or wondering if God is still good in the middle of your circumstances, this episode will remind you that your prayers are not in vain—and that sometimes the miracle is a transformed heart.

Rachel Wojo is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of Untangling Prayer Podcast. After caring for her daughter Taylor for 22 years through a rare degenerative disorder, Rachel became passionate about helping others experience God’s presence in suffering. Through her new book Desperate Prayers, she encourages women to bring every emotion—anger, confusion, heartbreak—honestly before the Lord. Her story is a powerful testimony of faith refined through grief.

• Why it’s okay to bring your anger and “why” questions to God
• How God often changes our hearts even when He doesn’t change our circumstances
• What it looks like to experience a miracle that doesn’t match your expectations
• How helping others in their pain can actually accelerate your own healing

If you’ve ever felt disappointed by God… if grief catches you off guard in the middle of Target… if you’re afraid you’ll forget how much you need Him when life feels “good” again, this conversation will gently call you back to truth.

You’ll be reminded that suffering can tether you to Jesus, that desperate prayers are an invitation into deeper intimacy, and that nothing—not height, depth, grief, or unanswered prayers—can separate you from the love of God.

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Connect with Rachel - Website

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💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What if the walls in front of you aren’t proof that God has abandoned you, but evidence that He’s inviting you to trust Him deeper?

In this powerful and hope-filled episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Heidi Lee Anderson to talk about what it looks like to follow God when life feels anything but easy. From a cancer diagnosis at 23 to lingering fears, unanswered questions, and the ongoing battle for peace, Heidi shares how God met her in the waiting—and how He still meets us when the “Promised Land” feels hard-won. She opens up about fear, faith, and learning to trade the lie that life should be effortless for the truth that Jesus has already overcome. Whether you’re facing uncertainty, exhaustion, or a season that feels like constant battle, this episode will remind you that God is still writing your story—and He is faithful to finish it.

Heidi is a Bible teacher, speaker, author, and the founder of Heidi Lee Anderson Ministries. She’s the author of the devotional All In, All Yours, a 100-day chronological journey through the Promised Land that helps readers see how to seize, live, and rest in God’s best—even when life is hard. Heidi is passionate about helping women trade lies for truth and walk in the freedom and peace Jesus promises.

• The difference between feeling fear and becoming fearful, and how to stop anxiety from defining you
• How to navigate fear, anxiety, and uncertainty without letting them define or control you
• What it looks like to trade the lie “life should be easier by now” for the truth that Jesus has already overcome
• How God uses the hardest seasons of our lives to grow our faith and expand our spiritual territory
• Why you can feel afraid without becoming afraid, and how that shift changes everything
• Remembering what God has done in the past can give you the courage to keep going today

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in survival mode, waiting for the other shoe to drop, or wondering if you’ll ever experience the abundant life God promises—this conversation is for you.

Collide Conference for Women

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Connect with Heidi Lee - Website

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

This episode originally aired in April 2023 and is being re-shared due to its continued impact.

What if letting go of control could actually set you free?

In this powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Tara Sun, author, podcaster and speaker, to talk about the challenges of control, independence, and self-sufficiency. Tara invites us to examine the ways we try to manage life on our own and offers practical insights for surrendering our story to God. Whether you struggle with perfectionism, fear of uncertainty, or the desire to do it all yourself, this episode will inspire you to cultivate a deeper dependence on God that leads to freedom and peace.

Tara Sun is the author of Surrender Your Story and the host of the Truth Talks with Tara podcast. She is passionate about helping others experience freedom through trusting God, letting go of control, and embracing His guidance. Tara’s story and teaching are a powerful reminder that true strength is found not in independence, but in reliance on God’s wisdom and timing.

• How the need for control can limit your freedom and growth
• Why surrendering your story is a path to peace and trust in God
• Practical ways to let go of self-sufficiency and lean into God’s guidance
• How dependence on God transforms your perspective, priorities, and daily life

If you’ve ever felt burdened by the pressure to manage everything yourself, this episode will challenge and inspire you to release control and trust God fully. You’ll be reminded that letting go isn’t weakness—it’s the gateway to freedom, peace, and a life anchored in His grace.

Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What do you do when life changes in an instant—and you’re left holding grief while still caring for others?

In this deeply compassionate episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Clarissa Moll, grief advocate, author, and widow, to talk honestly about loss, parenting through grief, and finding hope when the future feels unrecognizable. After the sudden death of her husband while raising four young children, Clarissa learned firsthand how isolating grief can be—and how essential community, faith, and honesty are in the healing process.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why grief is not something we “get over,” but something we learn to carry
• How children experience and re-experience grief at different stages of life
• The difference between healthy and unhealthy compartmentalization in parenting
• Why fixing grief doesn’t help—but presence does
• How to support grieving children without overwhelming them
• What it looks like to ask for help when you’re exhausted and hurting
• How faith can survive honest questions, anger, and lament
• Why hope isn’t found in pretending pain doesn’t exist—but in trusting God within it

Clarissa also shares powerful insights on memory sharing, community support, and how grief and joy can coexist—reminding us that suffering does not get the final word.

If you’re navigating loss, walking alongside a grieving child, or wrestling with faith after heartbreak, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but learning how to live again.

About Our Guest:

Clarissa Moll is a grief advocate, speaker, and author who specializes in helping individuals and families find hope after loss. She is the author of four books on grief and faith and has created bereavement resources for parents and children navigating loss together. Clarissa is passionate about helping people move from survival to flourishing—without minimizing their pain.

This episode offers compassionate grief support, practical tools for parenting through grief, and faith-filled hope for anyone navigating the loss of a loved one. You’ll walk away feeling seen, equipped, and reminded that even in deep sorrow, God meets us with tenderness, truth, and healing.

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.

What if your darkest chapter wasn’t the end of your story—but the beginning of something new?

In this honest and hope-filled episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Leeana Tankersley to talk about what it looks like to hope in the middle of devastation, rebuild when life falls apart, and welcome new possibilities after loss, disappointment, or unraveling. Leeana shares wisdom from her own journey as a writer and woman of faith, inviting us to release our grip on hoping for specific outcomes and instead learn how to hope in God—especially when the future feels uncertain.

Whether you’re walking through your darkest chapter, piecing your life back together, or standing on the edge of something unknown, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: beginning again is holy work, and you’re not behind.

Leeana Tankersley is a writer, editor, university writing professor, and the author of six books including Brazen, Breathing Room, Begin Again, and Hope Anyway. With two English degrees and over two decades of experience in faith-centered storytelling, Leeana helps women step out of hiding, reclaim their voice, and live fully. Her work has been featured in CNN, Huffington Post, and Publishers Weekly. She lives in Central Virginia with her three teenagers and her mischievous Labradoodle, Rosie.

• How to hold hope in the face of your darkest chapter
• What rebuilding your life can look like after everything falls apart
• Why letting go of hoping for can open the door to hoping in
• How to welcome new possibilities when the future feels fragile
• Why beginning again is not failure—but faith

If your life feels like it’s in pieces—or you’re wondering how to keep going when hope feels thin—this episode will meet you with compassion and clarity. You’ll be reminded that God is still at work, even here, and that no matter how many times your story has been rewritten, always, we begin again.

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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How can you build a happy, healthy life while navigating complicated family relationships—and still set boundaries that honor your well-being?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with therapist Greg Fischer, PhD to talk about navigating complex family dynamics and setting healthy boundaries. Greg helps us unpack the unspoken roles, patterns, and scripts many of us inherit within our families—and how those dynamics impact our relationships as adults. Whether you’re navigating ongoing conflict, wrestling with forgiveness, or discerning when boundaries are necessary, this episode will remind you that healing is possible and clarity brings freedom.

Greg is a licensed therapist, assistant professor of clinical psychology at George Fox University, and former pastor with a deep understanding of family systems and relational healing. He holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings both clinical expertise and pastoral wisdom into conversations around conflict, repair, and reconciliation. Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families move toward health, honesty, and sustainable connection.

1. How to take inventory of your family dynamics and relational patterns
2. How to recognize inherited roles and scripts that shape your behavior
3. Whether repair is possible after relational harm—and what it can look like
4. The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation
5. When boundaries are necessary and how to implement them well
6. The best ways to address conflict with a family member in a healthy, grounded way

If you’ve ever felt stuck in painful family patterns or unsure how to move forward without causing more harm, this episode will offer clarity, language, and practical tools. You’ll be reminded that setting boundaries is not unloving, repair takes wisdom, and you are allowed to pursue peace without abandoning yourself.

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What if faith was never meant to be complicated?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Kelsey Jenney, a longtime Young Life staff member, speaker, and certified Spiritual Director, to talk about what it looks like to keep our relationship with God simple - especially in seasons when prayers feel unanswered and hope feels hard to hold. Through meaningful conversation (and a little talk about guacamole, hummus, and peanut butter), we explore what it looks like to welcome God into the ache, practice the ministry of presence, and rest in a faith rooted in relationship rather than striving. Whether you’re weary, questioning, or longing for deeper connection, this episode will remind you that God is near—and simplicity can be sacred.

Kelsey is a longtime Young Life staff member with over 20 years of ministry experience, currently serving in disability ministry through Young Life Capernaum while also traveling, speaking, and hosting retreats. She is a certified Spiritual Director and is pursuing a Master’s in Spiritual Formation at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Kelsey is passionate about prayer, spiritual formation, and creating space for authentic encounters with God rooted in presence rather than performance.

• Why keeping the gospel simple matters in real life
• A mantra to hold onto when prayers feel unanswered
• How to hold hope in the ache without rushing past pain
• What the ministry of presence looks like in everyday faith
• How imaginative prayer and spiritual consent invite deeper connection with God

All the Best – Connect with Jesus and find peace through guided reflections on Mary and Martha’s story, helping you overcome distraction, worry, and comparison.

Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

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What would it look like to renew your mind by allowing God to meet you in the thoughts you’ve been struggling to change on your own?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with therapist Emily Weidlich, MA, LPC to talk about reframing negative thought patterns as we step into a new year. Emily shares how our internal narratives are often shaped by past experiences—and how, with compassion and curiosity, we can begin to understand and gently challenge those thoughts. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and self-compassion, she offers practical insight into noticing what we think, naming what we feel, and responding to ourselves with grace. Whether you’re feeling stuck in cycles of self-criticism, longing for emotional clarity, or hoping to start the year with intention, this episode will remind you that change begins with awareness and kindness toward yourself.

Emily is a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in counseling from Western Seminary and a psychology degree from Multnomah University. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she brings a grounded, relational approach to therapy that helps clients better understand their stories and inner world. Emily is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where people can process the past, identify their needs, and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and responding to life.

• How to recognize and reframe negative thought patterns without shame
• Why understanding your past can bring freedom in your present
• The connection between thoughts, emotions, and unmet needs
• How self-compassion can transform the way you relate to yourself
• Practical ways to approach the new year with intention rather than pressure

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts or frustrated by patterns you can’t seem to break, this episode will help you feel seen and supported. You’ll be reminded that healing doesn’t require perfection—just honesty, curiosity, and compassion—and that you’re allowed to move forward with grace, one thought at a time.

Connect with Emily - Website

Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What if the small habits you practice every day are shaping your faith and health more than the big moments ever could?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Justin Whitmel Earley to talk about how intentional habits and spiritual rhythms can lead to healing, clarity, and deeper connection with Jesus in the midst of a distracted world. Justin shares about recognizing what our bodies are telling us, the power of small habit shifts, and how spiritual disciplines shape not only our faith—but our mental and emotional health. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by busyness, longing for healthier rhythms, or craving a more grounded spiritual life, this episode will remind you that meaningful transformation often begins with simple, faithful practices.

Justin is a lawyer, author, speaker, and dad of four boys based in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People, books that explore spiritual formation, family rhythms, and the deep human need for connection. Justin is passionate about helping people build grace-filled habits that anchor their lives in Jesus, even amid chaos and digital overwhelm. His story is a powerful example of how ordinary practices can form extraordinary faith.

• Why your habits play a critical role in your spiritual, mental, and physical health
• How to listen to what your body is telling you instead of pushing through exhaustion
• The transformative power of small, sustainable habit shifts
• How spiritual disciplines can positively impact mental health and emotional resilience
• Why healing and formation often begin with simple daily rhythms

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by the noise of daily life, this episode will offer practical hope and a gentle invitation to slow down. You’ll be reminded that God meets you in the small, faithful rhythms of everyday life—and that healing doesn’t require perfection, just intentional presence with Jesus.

Connect with Justin - Website | Instagram | The Common Rule

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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Where do you go when God feels distant—even though everyone says He’s “with you”?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Bob Marvel to talk about the deeply personal and sometimes confusing reality of Immanuel—God with us. Bob shares about seasons when God felt hard to sense, dismantling the myth that pastors have a “fast pass” to God. Through stories, theology, and lived experience, he offers insight on God’s nearness, spiritual dryness, false assumptions about faith, and how to meet God where you actually are—not where you think you should be. Whether you’re longing for God, walking through doubt, or feeling spiritually hungry, this episode will remind you that God has not moved—and He is closer than you think.

Pastor Bob Marvel has served as Senior Pastor of Cornwall Church for nearly 30 years and comes from a third-generation ministry family. A passionate teacher and shepherd, Bob has helped shape countless lives through his honest, Scripture-rooted approach to faith. His life and leadership reflect a deep love for Jesus, the local church, and helping people encounter a God who is truly present.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why God can feel distant even when Scripture promises He is near
• The myths we believe about who God is “with”—and who He isn’t
• Why pastors don’t have a closer connection to God than anyone else
• How Jesus revealed God’s nearness to the overlooked and unlikely
• Where to look for God when you feel spiritually dry or desperate
• Practical ways to move toward God when you don’t even know where to start

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt like God must be disappointed in you, far from you, or accessible to everyone but you, this episode will gently reframe everything you think you know about His presence. You’ll be reminded that God does not wait for you to get it together—He draws near right where you are, offering love, hope, and Himself.

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What if the stories of people who have died and come back could reshape the way you understand God, heaven, and your purpose on earth?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with pastor and author John Burke to explore the mysteries of near-death experiences (NDEs) and what they reveal about the God of the Bible. John shares how three decades of studying more than 1,000 NDEs—and personally interviewing people from every continent—has strengthened his faith and pointed consistently to a God of captivating love. Whether you’re navigating grief, wrestling with doubt, or longing to better understand eternity, this conversation will remind you that God is closer, kinder, and more glorious than you ever imagined.

John is the founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, a multisite church that has grown to more than 4,500 people since its launch in 1998. He is also the president of Gateway Leadership Initiative, equipping church planters and everyday Christians to “raise the church out of the culture.” John is a New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and has written several influential books, including No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and his newest work, Imagine the God of Heaven. He is passionate about helping people discover the real God revealed through Scripture and confirmed through thousands of NDEs. His story is a powerful example of curiosity transformed into calling.

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• What near-death experiences really are—and why they matter
• The surprising commonalities people report across countries, cultures, and faith backgrounds
• How NDEs align with what Scripture teaches about heaven, God, and life after death
• The personal story of how John went from agnostic engineer to follower of Jesus
• What convinced him that these experiences cannot be explained by drugs, dreams, or hallucinations
• How these accounts can strengthen your hope, shape your faith, and transform your view of eternity

If you’ve ever feared death, questioned God’s goodness, or longed for assurance about your loved ones, this episode will offer hope-filled perspective. You’ll be reminded that God’s love is more personal, powerful, and present than you think—and that eternity is far more real and beautiful than you’ve imagined.

Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

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What if pursuing what is lovely could transform every part of your life?

In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Jenn Johnson to explore her journey as a worship leader, songwriter, author, and mom. Jenn shares about her early love for music, how her faith became her own, and the stories behind some of her most beloved songs, including a personal love song written to Jesus. She also talks about her book All Things Lovely and how choosing what is true, pure, and praiseworthy can impact your home, heart, health, and hospitality. Whether you’re navigating your own spiritual journey, creative pursuits, or family life, this episode will encourage you to live more intentionally and beautifully.

Jenn Johnson is an American worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and author, best known as the co-founder and President of Bethel Music and its Worship School in Redding, California. Alongside her husband, Brian Johnson, she serves as senior worship pastor at Bethel Church. Jenn has co-written songs that are sung worldwide, including Goodness of God, You’re Gonna Be OK, and God I Look to You. She is also the author of All Things Lovely and founder of the lifestyle brand Lovely by Jenn Johnson, which inspires women toward holistic health and intentional living. Jenn and Brian live in Redding with their five children, including two adopted children who inspired some of her songwriting.

• Jenn’s musical roots and early dreams of worship
• How her faith became her own and shaped her life and ministry
• The inspiration and core message behind her book All Things Lovely
• Her favorite love song written to Jesus and what it reveals about worship
• Practical ways to pursue beauty, wholeness, and grace in your home, heart, health, and hospitality

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by busyness, perfectionism, or the demands of life, this episode will inspire you to slow down, embrace what is lovely, and cultivate intentional rhythms. You’ll be reminded that worship isn’t just about music—it’s a lifestyle of beauty, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion to God.

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What if “I’m sorry” isn’t enough?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Thomas to talk about how to give and receive apologies that actually heal. Together, we unpack the power of restoration through meaningful apologies, explore why forgiveness is essential to our faith, and learn how understanding The 5 Apology Languages™ can completely transform how we mend relationships. Whether you’re longing to repair a friendship, rebuild trust in your marriage, or simply communicate better with the people you love, this conversation will remind you that grace and humility can turn brokenness into healing.

Dr. Jennifer Thomas is a best-selling author, psychologist, and sought-after speaker who has spent decades helping people navigate the beautiful and sometimes messy work of relationships. She co-authored The 5 Apology Languages™ with Dr. Gary Chapman, creator of The 5 Love Languages®, and is one of a handful of approved presenters for his global teaching series. Through her research and writing, Dr. Thomas equips individuals, couples, and organizations to communicate more effectively, repair broken trust, and extend forgiveness rooted in biblical truth.

• Why “I’m sorry” often isn’t enough to repair broken relationships
• The 5 Apology Languages™ and how to identify your own
• How to ask for and offer forgiveness in ways that build true reconciliation
• What Scripture teaches about humility, confession, and grace
• Practical steps to turn hurt into healing and conflict into connection
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How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever struggled to move past hurt, wished someone’s apology felt more genuine, or wondered how to forgive when it feels impossible, this episode will offer hope and clarity. You’ll be reminded that God calls us not just to say the right words—but to live out forgiveness that restores hearts and rebuilds trust.

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What if the way to heal our divided world starts with simply walking with people?

In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Whittaker to talk about what it means to truly connect with others—even when we don’t see eye to eye. Carlos shares his passion for bringing hope and humanity to the forefront of our conversations and challenges us to live out empathy in action. From stories of kindness sparked by his “Instafamilia” to moments of faith and vulnerability that have shaped his journey, Carlos reminds us that walking with people in love and grace can change lives—ours included.

Carlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker on a mission to bring hope to humans everywhere. Known for his authenticity and compassion, Carlos has built a massive online community that rallies around doing good and living connected. Whether he’s writing best-selling books, leading meaningful conversations, or dancing to Beyoncé with his family in Nashville, Carlos brings joy and purpose to everything he does. His motto—“Don’t stand on issues, walk with people”—beautifully captures his heart for unity and understanding in a divided world.

• How walking with people (not standing on issues) can transform relationships
• Why empathy is the key to healing our communities
• The power of showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable
• How faith fuels Carlos’s passion for connection and hope
• Practical ways to bring more kindness and courage into everyday life.

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt weary from the world’s division or unsure how to make a difference, this episode will lift your spirit and renew your sense of purpose. You’ll be reminded that the greatest impact often begins with one small act of love—and that when we choose to walk with people, we walk closer to the heart of God.

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What if your “yes” to God changed everything?

In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and God Hears Her podcast host Vivian Mabuni to talk about the beauty and bravery of saying yes to God. Vivian shares how surrendering to God’s leading has shaped her story—from ministry and motherhood to surviving cancer—and why the risks of obedience are always worth it. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads, holding tightly to control, or longing to trust God more deeply, this episode will remind you that saying yes to Him is never wasted.

Vivian Mabuni is an international speaker and writer with a passion for helping others experience the hope and life found through intimacy with God. With over thirty years of ministry experience on staff with Cru, she brings a depth of biblical wisdom and practical insight to her teaching. Vivian is a cancer survivor, co-host of the Our Daily Bread Ministries podcast God Hears Her, and the author of Open Hands, Willing Heart. She lives in California with her husband, Darrin, and their three kids.

• What it means to give God your “yes,” even when it feels risky
• Practical ways to grow in surrender and trust
• Why obedience often leads to unexpected blessings
• How saying yes can deepen your intimacy with God
• Encouragement for seasons when surrender feels scary or uncertain

If you’ve ever struggled to trust God’s plan or feared what obedience might cost, this conversation will fill your heart with hope. You’ll be reminded that surrender isn’t about losing control—it’s about finding freedom and peace in the One who holds it all.

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What if the growing number of people walking through church doors aren’t just seeking community, they’re desperately seeking healing?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Shaunti Feldhahn to talk about the surge in hurting people coming to church and what we can do about it. Drawing from her extensive social research and deep understanding of human relationships, Shaunti shares eye-opening insights about the emotional and spiritual needs many people bring with them to church—and how the church can respond with compassion, awareness, and practical care. Whether you’re a ministry leader, volunteer, or someone who simply cares about others, this conversation will remind you that the church has a powerful opportunity to become a place of healing and hope.

Shaunti Feldhahn received her graduate degree from Harvard University and began her career as an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher, best-selling author, and popular speaker. Today, she applies her analytical skills to uncovering life-changing truths about relationships both at home and in the workplace. Her groundbreaking, research-based books—such as For Women Only and For Men Only—have sold more than 3 million copies in 25 languages and are widely used in homes, counseling centers, and corporations worldwide. Shaunti and her husband, Jeff, speak around the globe, helping individuals and organizations better understand and support one another.

• Why there’s been a surge of hurting people turning to the church for help
• How many churches are missing key opportunities to offer meaningful care
• What creates the gap between people’s needs and the church’s response
• Practical ways churches and individuals can become a healing presence
• How empathy and awareness can transform ministry and relationships

If you’ve ever wondered how to help people who are walking through pain, this episode will give you fresh perspective and hope. You’ll be reminded that while the needs around us are great, God has equipped the church—and each of us—to be His hands and feet to a hurting world.

Connect with Shaunti - Website | When Hurting People Come to Church

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5 Week Guide to Manage Your Anxiety – Get expert advice from counselors, plus guided exercises, reflections, and tools to help you find peace and trust in the midst of anxiety.

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How do you break generational trauma, navigate motherhood, and still keep your sense of humor intact?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Melanie Shankle to talk about halting generational trauma and the the realities of momming, and handling emotional ups and downs. She shares about her journey from blogger to New York Times bestselling author, offering insights on building strong connections with your kids, creating safe spaces for them to share, and surviving the rollercoaster of their emotions. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, parenting challenges, or the pressure to “get it right,” this episode will remind you that laughter, grace, and intentional connection are powerful tools in raising kids and breaking cycles.

Meet Melanie

Melanie Shankle—better known as “Big Mama”—is a New York Times bestselling author, blogger, and speaker. She started her blog in 2006 with funny and heartfelt reflections on motherhood, marriage, faith, and everyday life, and her storytelling quickly struck a chord with readers. Melanie is passionate about encouraging moms, fostering joy in everyday life, and helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with grace and humor. Her story is a powerful example of living intentionally, embracing imperfection, and creating meaningful connections with your children.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Strategies for breaking generational trauma in your family
• Ways to strengthen emotional connections with your kids
• How to create safe spaces for your children to express themselves
• Tips for surviving the emotional ups and downs of motherhood

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will offer practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement. You’ll be reminded that even in the messy, unpredictable moments, you can parent with intention, love, and humor—and that breaking cycles of pain is possible.

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Connect with Melanie - Website | Podcast: The Big Boo Cast

Book: Here be Dragons

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Feeling Overwhelmed by Life’s Hard Seasons?

In this powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Wallace to talk about building mental toughness in the face of loss, pain, and life’s toughest valleys. Sarah shares her personal story of profound loss and how God is using her pain for purpose, offering insights on resilience, vulnerability, and practical ways to grow inner strength. Whether you’re navigating hardship, seeking hope, or longing for personal growth, this episode will remind you that even in the hardest seasons, you can find strength, resilience, and purpose.

Sarah Wallace is the founder of the Fortitude Project, a community devoted to building mental toughness alongside heart softness. After experiencing the tragic loss of her brother, Sarah transformed her pain into purpose, dedicating herself to helping others navigate life’s valleys with grace and resilience. She is passionate about guiding others to embrace vulnerability, cultivate resilience, and find hope through practical tools and authentic connection. Her story is a powerful example of how personal growth, when rooted in heart and purpose, can create lasting impact.

• How to cultivate mental toughness during life’s most challenging seasons
• The importance of embracing vulnerability as a pathway to resilience
• Practical tools to grow inner strength while maintaining heart softness
• How to reframe pain and loss as opportunities to serve and encourage others
• Why personal growth doesn’t have to be serious or unattainable—it can be joyful and practical

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, defeated, or unsure of how to navigate a difficult season, this episode will give you hope and practical guidance. You’ll be reminded that no matter where life has taken you, you are capable of developing resilience and mental fortitude, and that even your pain can be used for purpose and impact.

Collide Women’s Conference - Join us for a powerful one-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and encouragement to help you pursue healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

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Are you ready to rethink what it means to study God?

In this inspiring episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Phylicia Masonheimer to talk about breaking stereotypes around theology and helping everyday women engage deeply with the Bible. She shares her journey from knowing “Christianese” without understanding it, to discovering how the gospel transforms every area of life. Whether you’re navigating faith in a post-Christian world or simply want to live your beliefs boldly, this episode will remind you that deep faith isn’t just for scholars—it’s for every woman, in every season of life.

Phylicia is the founder of Every Woman a Theologian, a ministry dedicated to helping Christians—especially women—understand, live, and share their faith. She’s an author, blogger, and host of the chart-topping podcast Verity with Phylicia Masonheimer. Phylicia is passionate about equipping women to become students of the heart of God, showing that theology isn’t confined to libraries or lecture halls—it’s for real life, whether you’re single, parenting, or building a career. Her story is a powerful example of living faith boldly and thoughtfully in a complex world.

• How Phylicia redefines what a theologian is and why stereotypes limit our understanding of God
• The danger of belief without grounding it in Scripture
• How to become a student of the heart of God in everyday life
• Practical ways to see the Bible come alive in real-world situations

If you’ve ever felt like theology or deep Bible study is “not for you,” this episode will empower you to take ownership of your faith. You’ll be reminded that every woman can study God, live her beliefs boldly, and share her faith graciously—one step at a time.

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How do you find peace when life doesn’t go according to plan?

In this powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Kara Stout to talk about finding calm in the midst of anxiety, suffering, and uncertainty. She shares her story of heartbreaking loss, medical crisis, and waiting seasons, offering insights on trusting God’s timing and experiencing His peace even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating hardship, wrestling with fear, or longing for healing, this episode will remind you that God is sovereign, near, and able to restore your troubled heart.

Kara is a writer, speaker, and adoptive mom whose story of faith through suffering is inspiring women to find peace in God’s presence. After facing a life-threatening medical condition, infertility, financial struggles, and the devastating loss of both her parents to cancer, Kara discovered a deeper dependency on God that transformed her life. She is the author of An Untroubled Heart: Calming Anxiety and Finding God’s Peace, a 30-day devotional that invites readers to experience comfort and calm in God’s Word. Kara is passionate about encouraging women in their faith, pointing them to their Great Comforter and Greatest Companion. Her story is a powerful example of resilience, hope, and healing in Christ.

• How to experience God’s peace when your heart feels troubled
• Why waiting seasons can shape trust and faith in God’s timing
• How prayer and Scripture can calm anxiety and bring daily strength
• The ways loss and suffering can deepen dependency on God
• Practical steps to seek God’s presence when fear or worry overwhelm

If you’ve ever felt overcome by anxiety, grief, or uncertainty, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to face it alone. You’ll be encouraged to rest in God’s presence, trust His timing, and discover the peace that truly surpasses understanding.

Birds and Lilies Bible Study - Offers a biblical perspective to today’s “anxiety culture,” guiding women toward peace, faith, and trust in God’s faithful provision.

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Have you ever wondered how you’d know if what you’re experiencing after childbirth is “normal” or something more serious like postpartum depression?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Therapist Rachael Elmore to talk about her journey through postpartum depression and how she found healing. She shares about the bravery it took to ask for help, the emotional and spiritual needs of new moms, and the importance of not walking this road alone. Whether you’re a new parent feeling overwhelmed, someone supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the realities of postpartum mental health, this episode will remind you that hope and healing are possible.

Rachael is a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor, award-winning author, and expert speaker with more than 20 years of experience in the counseling field. After overcoming postpartum depression herself in 2012, she wrote the book she wished had been available to her: A Mom is Born: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Advice for Taking Care of Yourself and Your New Baby. Rachael owns a thriving counseling practice in Charlotte, NC, and has helped thousands of people navigate parenthood. She is passionate about encouraging men and women to pursue emotional health and to walk by faith even in seasons of struggle. Her story is a powerful example of resilience, courage, and faith in the midst of hardship.

• What postpartum depression can look like and how to spot the signs
• Why it takes courage to ask for help and why that bravery matters
• How the transition into motherhood impacts mental, emotional, and spiritual health
• Why community and support are vital for new parents
• Practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for moms navigating the postpartum season

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of how to navigate the transition into motherhood, this episode will give you both hope and help. You’ll be reminded that you don’t have to do it alone, and that with support, faith, and honesty, healing is possible.

Check Out These Resources Inspired by This Episode

Collide Counseling Bundle – An online course that addresses 12 of the most common struggles women bring to counseling, this bundle offers practical tools, expert guidance, and encouragement from licensed mental health professionals. Complete with a beautifully designed printed workbook mailed to your door, it provides exercises, reflection space, and resources to support your emotional and spiritual healing.

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What do you do when the kids are grown, the house is quiet, and your heart feels both full and empty at the same time?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Jim Burns to talk about the emotional and spiritual journey of entering the empty nest season. Jim offers honest insight into the grief many parents experience when children leave home, and he shares practical wisdom on how to build healthy relationships with adult kids, redefine your role as a parent, and discover purpose in this next chapter. Whether you’re navigating the ache of goodbye or wondering what your life looks like beyond daily parenting, this episode will remind you that God still has good, meaningful work ahead for you.

Meet Jim

Jim Burns is the founder of HomeWord, an internationally recognized ministry that equips families with resources on marriage, parenting, and leadership. With more than 3 million books in print in over 20 languages, Jim is a trusted voice for families navigating life’s transitions. He’s the author of several bestselling books, including Doing Life with Your Adult Children and Finding Joy in the Empty Nest. Jim is passionate about helping families thrive and find hope no matter the season.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to navigate the emotional pain of the empty nest
• Tips for cultivating strong relationships with your adult children
• What to do when a child walks away from faith or family
• How to embrace your new role as a parent in this season
• Ways to rediscover purpose and joy in life beyond full-time parenting

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt lost, heartbroken, or unsure of your place after your kids move out, this episode will meet you with empathy and hope. You’ll be reminded that even in this transition, God is writing a new, beautiful story—and your purpose is far from over.

Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus.

🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide Shop

Connect with Jim- Home World | Podcast | Finding Joy in the Empty Nest & Doing Life with Your Audlt Children

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What’s holding you back from living free, and how can you finally move forward?

In this powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Rachael J. Gilbert, licensed therapist, speaker, podcast host, and author of Image Restored, to talk about the ways trauma and past experiences can keep us stuck. Rachael shares openly about her own journey of overcoming fear, insecurity, and emotional wounds, and she offers hope for restoration rooted in both faith and therapy. Whether you’re navigating old wounds, longing to understand your emotions, or searching for healing, this conversation will remind you that freedom and wholeness are possible.

Rachael J. Gilbert is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, podcast host, and author of Image Restored. She is passionate about helping women heal from emotional wounds, confront lies that hold them back, and step confidently into their God-given identity. Through her counseling practice, faith-filled resources, and powerful personal story, she guides women toward mental and emotional wellness rooted in Christ.

• How to identify what’s holding you back
• Practical steps for recognizing where you got stuck, and how to move forward
• Why both faith and therapy matter in the healing process
• The hope and promise of restoration

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you can’t break or pain you can’t shake, this episode will give you tools and encouragement to begin moving forward. You’ll be reminded that God has given you power, love, and a sound mind—and that healing and freedom are possible through both faith and practical steps.

Go Ahead - Empowers women to step into their days expecting to experience the extraordinary and Divine in everyday moments.

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