concretegrowthproject's podcast

What happens when the God you want to know more deeply begins asking more of you?

In this episode of The Concrete Growth Project, Shaneah sits down with longtime journalist and Closer Collective founder Megan Rowls for a candid conversation about spiritual growth while it is still happening.

Megan grew up surrounded by faith, prayer, and family members who planted spiritual seeds in her life. But as her career in journalism grew, she found herself increasingly driven professionally while her pursuit of God moved further into the background.

Then difficult experiences, mental-health challenges, therapy, prayer, and a growing curiosity about God began drawing her back.

What followed was something Megan describes almost as a progression: learning, correction, obedience—and then being shown more.

As Shaneah shares a word that has been on her heart—acceleration—the conversation turns toward what happens when faith stops being something we simply identify with and begins affecting how we actually live.

Megan opens up about:

• Growing up around faith but eventually needing a relationship with God for herself • The negative words and experiences that contributed to a difficult season in her life • How working with a Christian counselor helped reignite her curiosity about God • Why reading Scripture began changing how she saw herself and the world around her • The difficulty of consistency when the excitement of spiritual growth meets everyday life • The friendships, time, and personal desires she has had to reconsider along the way • Why prayer has become one of the strongest anchors in her life • How her background in journalism and her love of words became connected to her calling • The surprising origin of the name Closer Collective • Why Megan believes closeness to God should be a lifestyle • How a gathering of women, Bible study, storytelling, and prayer ultimately developed into the Closer Collective magazine and community • What she would tell someone who wants to begin getting closer to God today

This is not a conversation about having faith perfectly figured out.

It is a conversation about what happens when we become willing to keep learning, changing, surrendering—and growing.

ABOUT MEGAN ROWLS

Megan Rowls is a journalist and the founder of Closer Collective, a faith-centered community created to help women deepen their relationship with God through Scripture, prayer, testimony, practical growth, and community.

Learn more about Closer Collective and read the magazine at:

theclosercollective.org

ABOUT THE CONCRETE GROWTH PROJECT

The Concrete Growth Project explores what it means to grow through the places that should have stopped us—through candid conversations about resilience, faith, identity, purpose, transformation, and the experiences that shape who we become.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who may need it and follow The Concrete Growth Project for future episodes.

Description: What happens when a Black executive walks away from a six-figure role with no plan but a promise to reclaim her peace? She writes the book we all needed. In this powerful follow-up to our most-listened-to episode, Darlene Hightower returns to The Concrete Growth Project to talk about her debut book, The Plot Twist: Press Pause and Reset Your Life. We explore what it means to let go of old titles, rediscover your joy, and redefine success on your own terms. From quitting her job to napping on purpose, Darlene shares the vulnerable, hilarious, and deeply resonant lessons behind her transformation—and why you might be just one pause away from your own breakthrough.

Link with Darlene: www.darleneohightower.com

BUY THE BOOK:

Topics:

• What it means to reset your life in mid-career

• How to reclaim rest, clarity, and confidence

• The lies we believe about productivity and self-worth

• Romantic fiction, soul food, sabbaticals, and serendipity

• And why we should all be okay with not knowing what's next

Listen now if: You've been wondering whether your life still fits you—and need permission to rewrite the script.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oh4BudYiD3E

Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject

In the explosive conclusion of Detained, Marisol's world shatters once more as ICE targets her daughter Ana. As the family is pulled even deeper into the system, legal tactics collide with raw emotion, and public outcry becomes their only weapon. With mounting pressure and fading hope, the fight for Miguel's freedom and Ana's safety becomes a national flashpoint. Will justice prevail—or will the system silence them for good?

The Concrete Growth Project brings you a gripping final chapter in this audio drama series confronting family separation, immigration enforcement, and the courage to rise.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains emotionally intense scenes related to family detainment and child separation.

Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject Learn more: www.ConcreteGrowthProject.com

EPISODE 2 of 3

Miguel has been detained. Now, it's up to Marisol and fierce immigration attorney Raquel to fight a battle that's as emotional as it is political. As bureaucracies stall and ICE tries to vanish Miguel into the system, Raquel exposes the truth—this isn't random. It's war.

In the second part of Detained, justice collides with fury in a courtroom, at ICE facilities, and across social media. But when the fight gets personal—and Ana, their daughter, becomes a new target—the stakes soar.

The Concrete Growth Project continues this bold audio drama series that dares to put a spotlight on erasure, resistance, and the power of a mother's voice.

Themes: Legal injustice, systemic racism, family courage, representation Trigger warning: child detainment, ICE facility trauma, aggressive enforcement

Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject Learn more: ConcreteGrowthProject.com

Someone has been eliminated. Lena is accused. This is no longer just a fight for change.

It's personal now. After a tragic death and a political setup, Lena is forced to make a choice: silence or scorched earth. In this explosive conclusion to The Concrete Growth Project's debut audio drama, the stakes are higher, the system is darker, and Lena's next move could cost her everything—or change everything.

🎧 Episode 2 of 2 in The Concrete Growth Project's original audio drama series.

Like what you hear? Subscribe and share the series with your community. New audio drama series are coming soon.

#TheConcreteGrowthProject #AudioSoapOpera #PoliticalThrillerPodcast #ShortPodcastSeries #BlackStorytelling

Lena has stepped into the spotlight—but the weight of representation is heavier than it seems. In Part 1 of this short-form audio drama, she pushes back against institutional gaslighting, media manipulation, and performative diversity. What begins as a plea for change edges dangerously toward open rebellion.

🎧 Episode 1 of 2 in The Concrete Growth Project's original audio drama series.

Subscribe to The Concrete Growth Project Podcast for future audio dramas that tackle real-world issues through gripping fiction.

#AudioDrama #EquityInTheWorkplace #RepresentationMatters #BlackWomenLead #MiniSeries

Join us for an insightful conversation with Darlene Oliver Hightower, J.D., the trailblazing President & CEO of Chicago's Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), as we delve into the heart of leadership, authenticity, and the Black executive's journey towards well-being. In this episode, Darlene shares her remarkable insights gleaned from her extensive experience, including her pivotal role in spearheading transformative initiatives such as West Side United. Discover the essence of authentic leadership, the challenges and triumphs of Black leaders in organizational settings, and the imperative of embracing rest as a form of self-care and sustainability. Don't miss out on 'Reclaiming Rest: A Vision for the Black Executive's Well-Being,' where Darlene's wisdom illuminates a path towards inclusive, resilient leadership.

WATCH the Episode on YouTube HERE!

Our host, Shaneah Taylor identifies as a Black Woman. In this candid, "Next Door Chats", Shaneah sits down with her former White supervisor, Dr. Kimber Bogard to discuss her experiences as a black employee struggling to grow and find her place in an all white space. Kimber is transparent and shares her unique perspective on hiring. 

 

Shaneah and Kimber talk about the transitions in their relationship and how they finally built trust. This episode is unique and there are some nuggets to be gleaned for all listeners, irrespective of race and ethnicity.

 

website: www.concretegrowthproject.com

Music by: Tone Jonez

It's finally here!! The finale to Behind the Catfish. Randy and Stacey have been talking on the phone for a week or so and Stacey is ready to see Randy's face. We will leave the real conclusion to your imagination. However, be careful out there, y'all. Catfishing is a real thing.

Special shout out to Lanisha Fisher for writing this episode.

Gratitude as always to our voiceover and vocal acting partner; The House of Genesis

Music for the episode provided by: Tone Jonez

Follow us on instagram @concretegrowthproject for show updates.

Visit our website HERE