Out of Focus

There are chapters of life people try desperately to forget — seasons marked by shame, emotional collapse, and deep regret. But what if those very chapters are the ones God chooses to redeem? In this profoundly vulnerable episode, Shannon Stewart sits down with her husband, Mike, to share the story they once tried to bury — their fall, the depth of despair that followed, and the sacred journey tha...

Some stories take a decade to tell. This is one of them. On this episode of Out of Focus , host Shannon Stewart sits down with her America’s Next Top Model Season 1 castmate, Katie Cleary, for her first long-form conversation about the tragedy, grief, and redemption she walked through after the loss of both her husband and her first love — events that made headlines but never told the whole truth....

Before you rush into another New Year’s resolution… pause. What if the goal for this year isn’t trying harder — but becoming more like Jesus? On this New Year’s Eve episode of Out of Focus, Shannon Stewart sits down with her husband, Mike, to talk about what actually leads to lasting change. They discuss why most resolutions don’t last, how spiritual growth happens over time, and what it looks lik...

In this heartfelt Christmas Eve episode, Shannon Stewart and her husband, Pastor Mike Lee, share childhood Christmas memories, simple joys, and the powerful truth behind the holiday: Jesus didn’t come because the world was worthy — He came because the world was desperate for a Savior. Mike explains why humanity needed saving, the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, and how anyone can receive Him tod...

Faith was forbidden where she grew up — yet God still found her. In this thought-provoking episode of  Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart sits down with Helen Bloom, who was born in the final years of the Soviet Union — a time and culture where religion was outlawed and belief in God was considered foolish and uneducated. After moving to the U.S. as a child, Helen spent years convi...

She had one foot in Hollywood and one foot in church—until God asked her to choose. In this honest and hope-filled episode of  Out of Focus , host Shannon Stewart sits down with Brittany Brower (America’s Next Top Model) to share the story the cameras never showed — one of fame, identity, and the long road from nightlife to surrender. Brittany opens up about how chasing “f...

No one is too far gone for the redeeming love of Jesus. On this episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart sits down with Jamie Lee, whose testimony is a powerful reminder that God still rescues, restores, and redeems. Jamie opens up about his journey through hidden sexual addiction and shame, and how it nearly destroyed his marriage—until Jesus met him in the darkest place. What followed is nothin...

Some seasons of Thanksgiving feel full… others feel fragile. This episode speaks to both. In this warm and heartfelt Thanksgiving conversation, Shannon sits down with her husband, Pastor Mike Lee — a leader who spent years shepherding one of the largest churches in America and who has also walked through seasons of deep pain, quiet rebuilding, and unexpected grace. Together, they reflect...

In this powerful and redemptive episode of Out of Focus , host Shannon Stewart welcomes Joy Lee , the co-founder of Barn 45 , whose extraordinary journey from deep brokenness to divine restoration will move every listener to tears. This episode is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy—and that even the messiest parts of our story can become the most meaningful. Joy opens up abo...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of abuse and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in danger, contact local authorities. In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org. What if the only thing standing between you and death… was the name of Jesus? In this gripping and emotional episode of Ou...

You may know Annie Dixon as a gifted Christian artist and former worship leader, but what you might not know is the journey behind her voice — one marked by heartbreak, hidden seasons, and a surprising shift in God’s calling. In this episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart sits down with Annie for a raw and redemptive conversation about what happens when the dream changes. Annie opens up about t...

She went from the cover of Playboy to the cover of Today’s Christian Woman. Rachel Martin’s story is proof that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. At 22 years old, Rachel Martin thought she was chasing her dreams. What started as modeling opportunities quickly led to posing for Playboy, traveling the world, and living a lifestyle that looked glamorous on the outside — but left her broken and...

On this episode of  Out of Focus with Shannon Stewart , Lauren Burns continues her story with one of the most daring rescues you’ll ever hear. “She tapped on the bus window… and I froze.” In Part 2, Lauren shares how ex-military rescuers, a praying mom, and the hand of God came together in a miraculous mission that set her free. But the rescue was just the beginning—her story of healing, forg...

On this episode of Out of Focus with Shannon Stewart , Lauren Burns shares how, at just 7 years old, she thought she was going trick-or-treating—but instead, her father drove her to the airport and flew her to Jordan. In Part 1 of this gripping testimony, Lauren reveals: Her experience being taken overseas as a child The confusion of navigating a new culture and faith The desperation of her mom’s...

In this episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart and Mike Lee explore what it means to stand firm in God’s unchanging truth in a culture that constantly shifts. Together, they discuss: ·      Why God’s Word never changes ·      How compromise can sneak into our lives ·      The dangers of redefining truth to...

At just 23, Destry Henson built a thriving real estate company with multiple locations and dozens of employees. From the outside, he had it all—success, money, influence. But inside, he was empty. When the market collapsed, his life spiraled into addiction, drug dealing, and eventually prison—locked in a cell 23 hours a day. In this raw and honest episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart sits dow...

Marriage isn’t perfect—but God’s grace is. In this episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart sits down with her husband, Pastor Mike Lee, for an honest, lighthearted, and deeply encouraging conversation about marriage, ministry, and faith . You’ll hear the surprising story of why Mike once said he would never pastor again—and how God changed his heart. Together, Shannon and Mike talk about: ·&nbsp...

Does divorce mean you’re always living in adultery? Many Christians wrestle with Matthew 5:31–32 and wonder if they’ve been disqualified forever. In this episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart takes a deep look at what Jesus really meant. She unpacks the culture, the context, and the heart of God—and by the end, many listeners may breathe a sigh of relief they’ve been holding for years. You’ll...

When Catherine Lewis lost her husband to COVID, her world was turned upside down. Though she already knew Jesus, grief left her angry, questioning, and crying out to God in pain. In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart sits down with Catherine to talk through her journey of loss, faith, and hope. Catherine opens her heart about: ·     &nbs...

Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight.  Whether in ministry, marriage, parenting, or your career, it’s a slow fade—one that can leave you drained, distant, and dangerously close to collapse. In this special episode of  Out of Focus , Shannon sits down with her husband, Mike Lee, to talk about the often-overlooked warning signs of burnout and how to fight back with grace, wisdom, and God’...

Affairs don’t happen overnight. They begin with a drift—a slow fade most people never see coming. In this episode of Out of Focus , Shannon Stewart—former America’s Next Top Model runner-up and Miss Ohio USA—opens up about her own experience with drift, sin, and the redeeming grace of Jesus. She shares how small cracks in marriage, emotional disconnection, and spiritual dryness opened the door to...

I thought I knew God… until one moment changed everything.” In this moving conversation with my mom, you’ll hear how she went from religion without relationship to a life fully surrendered to Jesus—no turning back. In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of  Out of Focus , I sit down with the woman who has shaped my faith more than anyone else—my mother. From her devout Catholic upbring...

What do you do when you become someone you swore you’d never be? In this powerful first episode of Out of Focus, Shannon Stewart—former America’s Next Top Model finalist and Miss Ohio USA runner-up—opens up about the slow unraveling that led to an affair she never imagined… and the mercy that met her in the middle of it. This episode isn’t about defending what she did. It’s about telling the truth...

Welcome to Out of Focus — a podcast for anyone who’s ever felt disqualified, disappointed, or like they’ve gone too far. I’m Shannon Stewart — runner-up on America’s Next Top Model, Miss Ohio USA, and a woman who once tried to earn love through performance. In this short trailer, I’ll give you a glimpse of what this podcast is all about: real stories, deep truth, radical grace. If you’ve ever wond...