Finding Something Real Podcast

This is the third in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea. This episode is with special guest, Jesse Childress. In this episode Jesse shares with Janell and Olivea about his own faith journey, how childhood attachment impacts our view of God, how mental health is impacted by Christian faith, the problem of suffering, the power of experience, and much more.    ABOUT JESSE CH...

This is the second episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea.  Today we are talking with special guest, Erik Thoennes. Erik answers Olivea's questions about eternal security, God's character, and His love. Olivea shared in the first episode of this series that she is someone who loves singing, spending time with loved ones, and cooking. She talked about her relationsh...

This is the first in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Olivea.  Olivea is someone who loves singing, spending time with loved ones, and cooking. She shares about her relationship with her family and talks about the difficult loss of her mother a few years ago. Olivea talks about her faith and her history with church. She opens up about several questions she's wrestling with in...

DESCRIPTION: This is the twelfth and final episode in a series dedicated to special co-host Lizzy. Instead of the usual interview format, Janell shares about an important milestone for the podcast, talks about some of the highlights from recording multiple episodes with Lizzy, and shares an open letter to Lizzy, talking about faith questions, love, and ultimately trusting God's character. Stay tun...

This is is the eleventh episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today we're talking with special guest, Clare Williams, the founder of Real Questions. Clare shares her desire to address real questions and answers some lingering ones that Lizzy has about sin and the holiness of God. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christi...

This is the tenth episode in a series dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today we're talking with special guest, Robin Gerblick. Robin talks about her own story of struggling with insecurity, looking for love in all the wrong places, brokenness, and relationships, and how she has found grace and hope in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Li...

This is the ninth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today we're talking with special guest, Josie Pettit, creator of the Confetti Cake Project. Josie shares about her personal struggles with anxiety and shares about why she's so joyful and passionate about Jesus and mental health. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Ch...

This is the eighth episode in a series dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today we're talking with special guest, Brant Hansen, a bestselling author and podcast host. Lizzy specifically requested having the chance to ask him questions and sometimes dreams come true! In this rich conversation, we discussed many topics including identity, emotions, following Jesus, and insecurity.  Lizzy is a c...

This is the seventh episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today we're talking with special guest, Melissa Cain Travis, a fellow of the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of questions about God, identity, and purpose. She is a very curious p...

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:  During the month of July we are featuring some of our previous episodes. This episode with co-host, Dagmar from The Netherlands originally aired in April 2021. Pastor Josh White from Portland, OR, addressed some of Dagmar's questions about the gospel.   To hear more episodes with Dagmar and hear more of her story, please visit: https://www.janellmwood.com/search?q=dagmar      ...

During the month of July, we will be featuring some of our previous episodes. This episode with co-host, Lucrezia from Italy originally aired in March 2021. Musical artist, Terrian addressed some of Lu's questions about hypocrisy and sin, recognizing the difference between what is Christlike and what is not. They also talk about how God can respond to our questions and practical ways to love.   To...

During the month of July, we will be featuring some of our previous episodes. This Episode with Andy Bannister and Guest co-host, Zoe originally aired November 30, 2022. In this conversation, guest Andy Bannister talks about the importance of taking the message of Jesus outside of the church walls. He shares about his faith journey and how he went from an "undercover Christian" to working in minis...

During the month of July, we will be featuring some of our previous episodes. This Episode with Justin Brierley and Guest Co-Host, Caleb, originally aired on September 30, 2020. In this conversation, Janell and her son Caleb sat with Justin Brierley. Janell, Caleb, and Justin discuss Justin's work and faith journey, and why, after 15 years of interviewing some of the world’s most brilliant skeptic...

This is the sixth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today's special guest, Robby Lashua, is a speaker with Stand to Reason. Robby is here to discuss Lizzy's questions about the Bible and how to approach it. Lizzy was unable to make it to this recording. She's a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of q...

This is the fifth episode in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Today we're talking with Jennifer DeFrates. Jennifer shares about her own faith journey, about the topic of suffering and God's will, Jennifer DeFrates is a former high school teacher turned homeschool mom and Christian blogger at Heavennotharvard.com and th...

Happy Wednesday!   This is the fourth in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. Today we're talking with special guest, Tim Stratton, founder of Free Thinking Ministries. Tim is here to discuss Lizzy's questions about free will, and God choosing people. He shares about why these types of conversations are important to him personally. He also shares about his passion for Molin...

Happy Wednesday! Today Bob Luhn is joining us on the podcast. This is the third in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. In this episode, special guest, Pastor Bob Luhn, shares about God's love and answers some of Lizzy's questions about trust and why He believes God even when life is difficult. He opens up about suffering and the devastating loss of his beloved grandson las...

This is the second in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. In this episode, special guest, A.J. Swoboda, shares his newest book, and we cover topics including questions about identity, love, desire, doubt, and criticism from within the Church. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of questions about God, i...

This is the first in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. This first episode was recorded last winter. Lizzy is currently a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of questions about God, identity, and purpose. She is a very curious person and is someone who often takes things literally. She admits she struggles with a...

Happy Wednesday! This is the twelfth and final episode in a series dedicated to special co-host and Janell's niece, Noelle. Instead of the usual interview format, Janell shares some of the highlights from recording 10 episodes with Noelle, talks about the Patreon episode Noelle and Janell recorded at the end of April together, and shares an open letter to Noelle, talking about regrets, love, Jesus...

Happy Wednesday! Today Lindsey Medenwaldt is joining the podcast! This is the eleventh episode in a series dedicated to special co-host, Noelle. In this episode, host Janell Wood and guest Lindsey Medenwaldt discuss how to bridge the divide between Christians and non-Christians and have meaningful conversations. They explore the importance of building relationships, being good listeners, and shari...

Happy Wednesday! Today Abdu joins Noelle and Janell! This is the tenth episode in a series dedicated to special co-host, Noelle. Abdu Murray joins Noelle, Janell, and special guest, Signe, for a conversation about his journey from being a proud Muslim to becoming a Christian. Abdu talks about the importance of love and treating people with dignity and kindness. He shares the challenges he's faced...

Today, Jeannine joins Noelle and Janell!  It's a conversation with Dr. Jeannine Hanger, Noelle, and Janell, discussing the trustworthiness and relevance of the Bible. Noelle shares her questions about the Bible and its translation throughout history. Jeannine shares her personal faith journey and her passion for the New Testament. Jeannine discusses students' doubt and skepticism over the Bible an...

Today, Dr. John Marriott joins Noelle and Janell!   Together they discuss reasons why people leave Christian faith, why John is still a Christian, and how he began studying deconversion & faith deconstruction. They explore the difference between having reasons vs. absolute certainty when it comes to faith. They talk about the theme of happiness and the search for deep satisfaction. John explai...

Happy Wednesday! We hope you are doing well! Today w are airing part two of our conversation with Detective J. Warner Wallace. Jim responds to Noelle’s objection that she doesn’t have to believe in Jesus. In this conversation they discuss reasons why people believe or reject truth claims. and how someone can come to the conclusion that Christianity is the right choice? They talk about how life exp...