CrossCurrent Podcasts

Wholesome entertainment that deals authentically with real life and honors God can feel almost impossible to find. Where can Christian parents turn for stories that inspire, edify, and wrestle with tough issues—without sacrificing biblical truth?

Catherine welcomes acclaimed author Felicia Ferguson, whose award-winning women’s fiction is making waves for all the right reasons. Felicia, who holds master’s degrees in health care administration and speech language pathology, writes novels featuring strong female characters who face trauma, tragedy, and real-world dilemmas—always anchored by Christian faith and ethical choices.

Together, they discuss how fiction can model kingdom impact, spark empathy, and equip Christians of all ages to handle adversity with faith. Felicia Ferguson reveals the inspiration behind her latest works, including "When Secrets Come Calling" and "The Choices She Made." She shares how her own professional and personal experiences—like navigating the loss of a parent or working with dementia patients—inspire her realistic, hope-filled storylines.

Key Insights & HighlightsWrestling with Trauma through Faith

Felicia's characters don’t avoid pain or gloss over difficult situations—like sexual assault, family secrets, or dementia. Instead, they walk through the challenges, lean into God, and make decisions rooted in biblical principles.

The Power of Redemptive Fiction

As Catherine notes, many Christian entertainment options simply sanitize secular stories without offering real answers or hope. In contrast, Felicia Ferguson’s novels show what it looks like to grieve, heal, and find identity in Christ—even if life doesn’t tie up with a pretty bow.

Identity Beyond Circumstance

A recurring theme in the conversation is pursuing an identity rooted not in career, family roles, or past mistakes—but in being a beloved child of God. In Felicia’s words: "Who I am intrinsically is who God created me to be."

Stories That Heal and Equip

Whether it’s helping readers process trauma or showing how to biblically navigate hard conversations, Felicia Ferguson’s ultimate goal is kingdom impact: “I want my characters to have that same experience because...I don’t see that enough in the Christian market.”

Real-Life Application

Catherine and Felicia discuss how stories—whether on the page or in real life—can prepare us as parents to face giants, support our kids through hardships, and remind us that healing and hope are possible through Christ.

Guest Bio

Felicia Ferguson is an award-winning author with master’s degrees in Health Care Administration and Speech Language Pathology. After a decade in the Florida Panhandle and a career as a speech therapist, Felicia now writes full-time from Colorado. Her passion is crafting women’s fiction featuring strong female leads who confront trauma and tragedy using biblical principles. Felicia’s uniquely encouraging perspective blends professional expertise with a heartfelt desire for kingdom impact, both in fiction and in life.

Episode Resources

• Felicia’s Website & Book Links

• "When Secrets Come Calling" 

• "The Choices She Made" 

• Catherine Segars Resources

Do you and your children have wholesome models for processing trauma, wrestling with identity, and making faith-based decisions? In a culture that defines us by achievements, roles, or wounds, how can you point your famil

In this episode of The Cultural Competence Collective, we speak with academic theologian and Uniting Church ordained minister Rev Dr Seforosa Caroll about the role cultural competence plays in inter-faith dialogue. Through her experience growing up in multi-cultural and multi-religious communities, Seforosa carries principles of cultural competence–empathy, openness and a willingness listen–into her advocacy and ministry. Join us as we explore how cultural competence plays a key role in bridging inter-faith communication, and dive into Seforosa’s work in gender equality, climate justice, and advocacy for Indigenous knowledge.

Show notes

This episode is hosted by Dr. Matthew Tyne, an Academic Facilitator at the National Centre Centre for Cultural Competence. He comes to cultural competence following 20 years of working in international community development, especially in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and sexual health promotion with diverse communities in Australia.

Produced by: Adubi Plange, Dr Amy McHugh, Sarah Mashman

Podcast Artwork: Zein Arif

Resources

You can access more of Rev Dr Seforosa Carroll’s work through her Research Output academic profile.

Below are some of Seforosa’s works related to this episode of the Cultural Competence Collective:

Mental Health Support Services:

For University of Sydney staff: CONVERGE

Converge offers multiple dedicated helplines for specialist services:

Wellmob – social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

24-hour crisis hotlines

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"For a good time, call home!" Pastor Ted Cunningham outlines the benefits of marriage, and encourages young adults to consider marrying sooner rather than later. He offers great advice for couples of all ages to help keep the joy in your relationship. 

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A month of fidelity, not pride.

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In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, we explore the power of hope-centered narratives — stories that do not ignore darkness, but dare to believe darkness does not get the final word.

What makes a story truly hopeful? Why are readers craving sincere, emotionally restorative fiction right now? And how can writers create hope without becoming unrealistic, shallow, or preachy?

Beyond time, Father, Son, and Spirit has had full personal fellowship within Himself.

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When the kids are grown and age starts to creep in, how do you love your spouse well? Larry McCall explores this often-overlooked season of marriage—a time of quieter homes, shifting schedules, and new realities like becoming grandparents, facing health challenges, or learning to slow down. Larry reminds us that marriage isn’t about personal happiness but about reflecting Christ’s love through selfless service, even in times of change or transition. You’ll learn how to grow closer, serve with purpose, mentor others, and finish well by leaving a legacy of faith, love, and Christ-centered devotion.

Receive a copy of A Seasoned Marriage and an audio download of "Maintaining a Thriving Marriage in Midlife and Beyond for your donation of any amount!

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Aside from parents, grandparents hold some of the highest potential for influence in a child’s life. But in today’s rapidly changing culture, navigating family dynamics, physical distance, and the delicate line between supporting and overstepping can feel like a minefield.

In this episode, Leslie Nunnery sits down with Lori Wildenberg to explore the beautifully vital role of intentional Christian grandparenting. Together, they unpack the unique challenges modern grandparents face, the immense power of organic faith conversations, and the essential roles that humility and respect play when partnering with your adult children.

Whether you are a grandparent looking to leave a lasting spiritual legacy, or a parent wanting to foster a healthier relationship between your children and their grandparents, this conversation offers deeply practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for the whole family.

Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home

Lori Wildenberg, licensed parent and family educator, author, and national speaker, is passionate about helping families build connections that last a lifetime and beyond. Lori is the author or co-author of seven books including the newly released Grandparents Make Grand Partners: How to Have an Eternal Impact on Your Grandchild’s Life and the award-winning Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Lori is married to her college sweetheart, Tom. They have four adult children, 3 in-laws, and 5 grands. A perfect day in Lori’s world is a hike with Tom, any combination of family members, and Toby the