Oh My Word with Katie

Ansley Claire Strong went from a private Christian high school to Ole Miss - and she not only survived freshman year, but thrived! Listen as she shares what made the difference, how she got through FOMO without partying, and how you can pray for Gen Z.

SEASON 4 PREMIERE: Getting a full ride to the University of Oxford was amazing - then she discovered Jesus. Listen as author and literature professor Dr. Carolyn Weber shares her journey from agnostic to Christian and what she learned along the way - plus, how believers can be powerful witnesses on their own college campuses. 

Have you ever let an offhand comment negatively impact your self-image for years - even decades? Do you find yourself casually saying things like, "I'm such an idiot"? Brittany Estes, author of “Flip the Script,” shares her story of overcoming negative internal scripts - plus why she wrote a whole new book to help teens do the same!  Purchase "Glow Up: A Teen's Guide to Fl...

Jamie Pettigrew shares her journey from addiction and crime to serving women coming out of similar situations at Saving Grace Women’s Home in central Mississippi. If anyone you know is struggling with addiction and recovery, please listen and share!

From the outside, Casey Combest’s life was going great: His business was booming, he was an active Christian and father, and he was exercising regularly. Until he blacked out on April Fool’s Day 2024. Listen as Casey describes how he reached a point of burnout and panic attacks, how God grew him through it, and how he’s pursuing a healthier life now.

Author and mental health advocate Julie Whitehead shares her journey with bipolar disorder, how it nearly derailed her career, and how she was able to get back to writing and publish her first short story collection, “Hurricane Baby,” in August 2024. A must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand mental health - especially as it intersects with Christian faith! Learn more about Julie on h...

Krista Woods moved to Mississippi to become a dancer - or so she thought. Listen as she shares her journey from dance to Christian counseling, how her first pregnancy changed the direction of her counseling practice, and how Jesus has helped her deal with the unexpected in life.

College campus minister Casey Coston's new book “Made Competent” details his own shortcomings and lessons learned during 15 years of ministry at Ole Miss. Casey talks about how God drew him to campus ministry, why he still loves it (he's at University of Delaware now) - and why you should give your local minister a little grace. 

How can a college student graduate with their Christianity intact? Can they avoid a crisis of faith - or should they even try? If we never examine our beliefs, are they really genuine? Pastor Seth Brill discusses his thoughts with Katie. Share this episode with a current or soon-to-be undergrad! 

Lifestyle influencer Nicole Brown of Lelia's Southern Charm shares why she launched her brand, how she met Jay Leno, how to make shopping fun - and how she finds her worth in Christ, not in an algorithm or dress size. Find Nicole at LeliasSouthernCharm.com, @leliassoutherncharm on Instagram or TikTok, and Lelia’s Southern Charm on Facebook and Pinterest.

Lots of people donate to ministry - Kateri Gill and her husband live in it. Listen as Kateri shares why she and Levi make their home in West Jackson, how their organization helps the poor in healthy ways, and how she balances marriage, motherhood, and ministry.

At 9 years old, Bishop Barlow (now 25) woke up to piles of hair on his pillow. Listen as he shares his journey with alopecia - plus why he started a nonprofit at 18, and what God has taught him about humility and confidence in Christ.  Learn more about Know Ministries at https://knowministries.org/.  Read Bishop's column in Mississippi Christian Living at https://mschristianliving.com/what-do...

Betty Hodge, director of programs at the Center for Pregnancy Choices in Jackson, MS, shares how God led her and her husband to adopt 3 girls after having multiple kids; how she went from “not liking women’s ministry” to serving women at the CPC; and how she avoids burnout.

Advertising sales rep Teresa Howell fell in love and got married in her early 20s - then reality set in. She and her husband, Joey, quickly devolved from a married couple to "roommates," until finally they weren't even that anymore. Listen as Teresa describes what brought them back together, how they keep their marriage centered on Christ, and her advice for young people seeking a m...

Kari Thomas has worked at a police department, a pie shop, a pet shop, a trucking company, a car dealership, a news station, a university communications department ... and her calling has nothing (and everything) to do with those places. If you chose your college major on the fly, if you're unsure what career you're called to, or if you're just seeking purpose in your daily life, Ka...

Broadmoor Women's Minister Beth Bowman has been in some vulnerable situations - and not just at the dentist's office (though you won't want to miss her opening story). Beth shares how she finally learned to open up to trusted believers after her first husband left, how she met her now husband of 20 years, and why Christian counseling is important even if you have close friends.

Show of hands: Who loves being single in their 30s in the Bible Belt? Singer-songwriter and choir teacher Jennifer Adams admits it's not easy, but she's learning to trust God and not worry - just like she did after being baptized for the fourth time. Plus, hear the chorus of her recent single, aptly titled "Don't Have to Worry"! 

Nicolet Bell was stuffing gift bags at her mom's Merle Norman store as a child - so it's no surprise that she owns a business today. She's also a wife, mom, and ministry leader - but it didn't all happen at once, and it's still a balancing act! Plus, Nicolet has some much-needed encouragement for young people seeking their calling. (Hint: You don't have to figure it o...

Season 2 is coming January 2 - but for December, I'm republishing 4 of my favorite Season 1 episodes! Morgan Keup (pronounced "Koip," as I learned after pronouncing it wrong) is my favorite boot camp instructor at the Madison Healthplex. She's also a Christ-follower with a great sense of humor - often at her own expense. She talks about not taking herself too seriously, how she...

Through the month of December, as we gear up for Season 2 (starting in January!), I'm republishing 4 of my favorite episodes from Season 1. If you didn't listen to these episodes earlier, here's your chance!  Dan Hall is a pastor and executive leadership coach who shares how he went from being an angry leader to an "invitational" one. Plus, you'll get to hear about on...

Guidance counselor and psychology teacher Libbo Crosswhite has started every day this year with the question: "God, what are You trying to teach me?" But recently, He's responded with a question of His own: "Do you really trust Me?" Libbo shares how engaging with her own story - including the death of her father when she was a child - has helped her trust Jesus more.

Today, Mandy is a wife and mom with a successful career - but after her sophomore year of college, she had lost so much weight, it wasn't safe for her to drive her own car. She shares how she got into a perfectionist mindset, how she’s had to trust God throughout her recovery, and what brings her joy today. Tw: Anorexia / eating disorders, brief mention of suicide.

Singer-songwriter and choir teacher Jennifer Adams shares why she was baptized 4 times, what it's like being single in her 30s, and how both of those struggles have taught her to trust Jesus even more.  BONUS: You can hear Jennifer's new single, "Don't Have to Worry," which tackles both of these topics, anywhere you stream music!

Nicolet Bell is owner of a cosmetics store in Madison, Mississippi; COO of a Christian media network; podcast host; and author. She shares her journey from stuffing bags in her mom's Merle Norman store to balancing business and ministry - plus, why sleepless nights with her daughter are part of her "dream come true." 

Chris Fields shares how he learned his pastor was actually his dad, what he (Chris) did to get ahold of some tasty communion grape juice, and how God has weaved faith and fitness together in his life as head of H.E.A.L. Mississippi.