Desert Stories hosted by Katlyn Scharper

There are moments in life that divide everything into before and after. For Betsey Young, that moment came on January 31st, 2022 — the day her four-year-old son Sage was diagnosed with leukemia. What had been a steady, beautiful, ordinary life — raising two boys, building community, dreaming about the future — suddenly shifted into hospital rooms, whispered prayers, and a reality no parent ever im...

Today on Desert Stories, we’re sitting with a story of spiritual exile—the kind of grief that comes when following God costs you your calling, your community, and the version of yourself you once knew.  My guest today is a former Protestant pastor who, after years of ministry, stepped into the desert of loss and uncertainty on his way to the Catholic Church. This is a conversation about grief that...

In this episode, I open up about the journey of writing my upcoming memoir, Under the Fig Tree. I share how the process stretched and shaped me—spiritually, emotionally, and creatively—and the meaning behind the title that came to define it all. Together, we’ll explore the themes woven through the pages: wandering in the wilderness, healing through grief, and the quiet faithfulness of God. Whether...

Luke & I chat about all the things in this episode! Navigating love after loss—exploring how two people build a new life after grief, how roles evolve (from bachelor to father, widow to wife), and how to honor the past while embracing the future.

Katlyn and Natalie shared their personal experiences as young widows, discussing their journeys of grief, remarriage, and blending their families. They also discussed their experiences with online dating, introducing their children to new partners, and communicating the concept of death to their children. The conversation also touched on their personal journeys, their experiences with grief, and t...

I met Kevin Scharper over a decade ago at his family’s kitchen table. I had a thing for his oldest son. That night in February of 2012 I shared my first meal with him, and little did I know I would go on to spend significant time and space with him at kitchen tables during all the years that followed. We have shared dozens and dozens of meals and conversations since then. But lately, our time toge...

In this episode, we are discussing a topic that many people shy away from, a topic that might make you feel uncomfortable, but I am walking and talking proof that this topic is incredibly important and just plain necessary. This episode we chat about how to get your finances and business in order before you die. Planning for the future isn’t just about making investments or saving for retirement i...

There is something valiant to be said about a friend who stands with you on the mountain and grieves with you in the valley… someone who walks out into the wilderness and purposely sits beside you on the desert floor. Someone who voluntarily inserts themselves in your pain, in your suffering, in your anguish. They celebrate the wins in your life BIG, but tough it out through the losses. I have a f...

Stephanie Keller was born and raised in Iowa, where she resides today with her husband, Charlie, and daughter, Avrielle.  When her Plan A didn’t result in the desired outcome, Stephanie learned that she would do anything to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother.  With the struggle of infertility comes marriage challenges, grief, and doubt.  But, God schlepped through the mess with her. In her deb...

Grief comes with so many complicated emotions. I think we often think of anguish, and sorrow, and depression. But what I have learned in my grief journey is there is also important and sacred space for laughter, and joy, and comic relief. Hi, I’m Katlyn, the host of Desert Stories podcast. I’m so glad you're listening in! If you are part of the grieving community, you have just landed in the perfe...

Tragedy struck the Blackburn home in an unimaginable way when Davey lost his pregnant wife of seven years, Amanda, during a home invasion. Amanda was shot three times in their home on November 10th, 2015, passing away in the hospital just 24 hours later.  After Amanda’s passing, Davey felt called to minister to those who are hurting and broken. His message is simple, profound, yet beautiful all th...

Listen in as Bob and Katlyn dive deep and get real about what it looks like to show up for your personal grief and for others in their grief journey. You'll want to turn the volume way up for this one! This man does not even need an introduction, but I’ll do my best to tell you all about the incredibly kind and cool Bob Goff! New York Times Best Selling Author Honorary Counsel to the Republic of U...

Get to know podcast host Katlyn Scharper as she shares her vulnerable and raw grief journey so far. It has been a year and a half since her 28 year old husband Riley has gone to heaven and Katlyn shares all she has learned along the way in this crazy thing called grief.

Welcome to the Desert! I'm thrilled your here! I hope you laugh and cry, think and wonder. I have a hunch you'll hear your story too, because I believe we all have a desert story to tell.

John and Casey are medical parents! They are a testament to God’s sovereignty and faithfulness through caring for their daughter Everlieigh and her health journey. I can't wait for you to hear their resilient and valiant take on their precious girl, their real-life miracle. 

Brent and Katlyn go deep about what it's like to lose a spouse tragically and unexpectedly. They talk about their faith, misconceptions about widowhood, and love after loss.