Redeemed Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Pastor Derek Welborn knows what it feels like to lose your reflection. When alopecia took his hair, it began stripping far more than follicles—it chipped away at identity, confidence, and the life he thought he’d live. He prayed for the hair to come back. Silence. Then God answered in a way only God could: not by restoring what Derek lost, but by reframing who Derek is . In the qu...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode of The Redeem Podcast , host Lauren Burns opens up about one of the most painful chapters of her life — being kidnapped by her father and taken to Jordan as a child. What began as trauma and betrayal has become a powerful story of redemption and healing. This story was featured in the movie Desperate Rescue Lauren shares how the emotional and spirit...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of The Redeem Podcast , host Lauren Burns sits down with Shannon Stewart , the unforgettable runner-up from the very first season of America’s Next Top Model . Once known for her bold stand for modesty in the modeling industry, Shannon now shares a much deeper story — one of faith, failure, forgiveness, and freedom in Christ . Shannon opens up about the p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns sits down with Sondra Ajasin , founder of True Light 127 Ministries . Sandra opens up about growing up in a broken home , spending seasons without a present mother , and the impact of frequent moves that left her feeling unstable and unsure of whom to trust. She describes early-life emotional and physical hardship , the w...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Redeemed Podcast, host Lauren Burns sits down with Juli Henderson —wife, mother, author, vocal coach, and passionate advocate for families living with special needs. Juli shares the powerful and emotional story of her son Robert, who was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disease and seizure disorder and passed away at just 18 years old. Juli opens up about...

Send us Fan Mail In this tender episode of Redeemed , Lauren Burns sits down with Joi Renique (Celebrate Legacy) to talk grief, faith, and the power of community. After losing her 15-year-old sister, Joi discovered a path through sorrow that led to meaning, memory-keeping, and ministry. They discuss the turning point when faith became a steadying force, the new shape grief takes over time, and pra...

Send us Fan Mail In this unforgettable episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns sits down with Mike McKenzie , author of I Held the Hand of Jesus . Mike takes us on a powerful journey through his near-death experience (NDE) —a miraculous moment where he encountered Jesus in heaven , held His hand, and received a life-transforming message of hope, patience, and redemption . Mike opens up...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, host Lauren Burns sits down with Andre Harrison—author, YouTuber, and advocate for fatherhood—to discuss his journey from growing up fatherless to becoming a devoted father, grandfather, and mentor. Andre shares candidly about the challenges of single parenthood, the importance of forgiveness, and how faith and community can help heal deep wounds. Key Top...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Redeem Podcast, host Lauren Burns welcomes New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle to discuss her new book 'Here Be Dragons.' Melanie shares her experiences of raising a daughter amidst high school challenges, reflecting on her own childhood trauma, and the importance of setting boundaries. They explore the themes of generational trauma,...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply personal episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns shares what it’s like to grieve the loss of her 16-year-old sister while real life—kids, work, meals, bills—doesn’t pause. Lauren offers practical ways to function through grief without stuffing it: tiny daily wins, honest prayer, and leaning on community instead of isolation. With Scripture, story, and a...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns sits down with Warwick Fairfax , who at just 26 years old took over his family’s 150-year-old, $2 billion media empire—only to lose it within three years. Warwick opens up about the crushing weight of failure, the shame and guilt that followed, and the unexpected journey of redemption through faith in Christ . Yo...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns shares exciting news about the upcoming Chosen Conference at Summit Church on September 26–27 , featuring special guest Lisa Bevere speaking on peace . Lauren also invites listeners to subscribe to the Redeemed Newsletter , filled each week with encouragement, scripture, and practical tips for thriving in work,...

Send us Fan Mail If your kids are leaving home—or you’re learning how to parent adult children —this episode is for you. Host Lauren Burns sits down with Kate Battistelli , author of The After Party of the Empty Nest and mom to Grammy-winning artist Francesca Battistelli , to talk about letting go, launching, and loving your kids in every season. From Broadway to homeschooling to praying for prodi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns offers a compassionate and faith-filled perspective on anxiety—even if you don’t personally battle it. The truth is, we all know someone who does. Lauren shares biblical encouragement for those walking through anxiety, and practical tools for those who want to better understand and support their loved ones. Drawing from 2...

Send us Fan Mail What would you do if your child died—and you had just minutes to pray?  In this powerful episode of The Redeemed Podcast , host Lauren Burns sits down with Pastor Richard Mull , who shares the miraculous story of his son dying, encountering Jesus, and coming back to life. With over 40 years of ministry in youth, worship, and small groups, Richard brings deep wisdom and raw testimo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeemed Podcast, host Lauren Burns introduces guest Kimberly Harr, an author and survivor of severe domestic violence. Kimberly shares her powerful story of facing infidelity, divorce, an abusive relationship, and eventual healing. She discusses her traumatic experiences, including an assault and near-fatal encounter involving her ex-husband, and explains h...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem Podcast, host Lauren Burns welcomes special guest John Fela, a father to a 17-year-old son with autism and non-verbal disabilities. John shares insightful reflections on the challenges and rewards of raising a child with severe disabilities, including his personal experiences with divorce, finding faith, and the critical role of community support. He...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeemed Podcast, host Lauren Burns interviews Jose Vargas, also known as Chaplain Joey, about his powerful story of transformation. Joey shares his journey from being a gang leader and drug dealer to finding God and preaching the gospel. He opens up about his tumultuous childhood, his struggles with his father's alcoholism and abuse, and how he was eve...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem Podcast, host Lauren Burns shares her personal story of overcoming childhood trauma, including being kidnapped by her father, struggling with identity, and longing for family. Lauren discusses the power of God's presence and faithfulness through life's unexpected twists and hardships. Using the biblical story of Joseph as a metaphor, she hig...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem Podcast, host Lauren Burns speaks with Cecilia McGaw, the author of 'Fighting for Identity.' Cecilia shares her powerful story of being smuggled between the U.S. and Mexico as a child, living under a false identity, and the shame and confusion that came with it. She discusses how these early experiences of insecurity and feeling not good eno...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeemed Podcast, host Lauren Burns interviews G Rod, who shares his incredible testimony. At 19, G Rod was about to sign with Bad Boy Records and seemed destined for a successful music career. However, he became entangled in a life of partying and drug addiction, which led to a near-death experience. Through divine intervention, G Rod's life was miracu...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem podcast, host Lauren Burns interviews Ryan Wickline, who shares his powerful story of addiction, relapse, and redemption. Ryan opens up about his childhood struggles, including his parents' divorce and difficulties in his relationship with his father. He describes how these challenges led him down a path of substance abuse, starting with alcohol...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem Podcast, host Lauren Burns opens with a reminder about the podcast's newsletter and an upcoming women's conference called She Will. She then delves into finding strength and faith during challenging seasons by examining King David’s life from his triumph over Goliath to his years of preparation in the wilderness before becoming king. Through...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem Podcast, host Lauren Burns interviews Julie Hedenborg, a nurse, mother, wife, author, and podcast host of 'Everyday Miracles.' Julie shares her incredible journey from being a nurse anesthetist to becoming a conduit of hope and transformation through her podcast. She recounts vivid experiences that strengthened her faith, including a miracul...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Redeem podcast, host Lauren Burns welcomes guest Steve Austin, a pastor who shares his transformative journey from a skeptical lawyer to a devout minister witnessing miraculous healings. Steve recounts powerful stories of the deaf hearing, the blind seeing, and even cancer patients being healed. They discuss the importance of faith, the challenges of overcom...