Finding Something Real Podcast

By Janell WoodReligion & Spirituality Christianity Education Self-Improvement

Finding Something Real Podcast episodes

October 05, 2022 Introducing Dagmar & Her Faith Story
Happy October, friends! We hope you’ve had a great start to your fall!
This month, Dagmar shares her story with us! She and Janell have a great conversation for you today! They chat about Dagmar’s previous experiences on the podcast, mental health and setting priorities, and more. Dagmar shares about why the idea of faith has always drawn her, why she decided to come back on the podcast, and her current place in her spiritual journey. She shares what she thinks is holding her back from surrendering to Jesus and some of the questions she has including:
-How do you know when you are ready to follow Jesus?
-How do Christians integrate faith into their lives (especially if they did not become Christians until later on)?
-What holds people back in their relationship with God? What does it look like to have faithfulness in a relationship with God?
-How does a relationship with God affect you when you have relationships with people who are not Christian?
Have a good Wednesday!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR April 2021 with Josh White
FSR April 2021 with Justin Brierley
FSR April 2021 with Lindsey Medenwaldt
FSR April 2021 with Julia Garschagen
FSR August 2020 with Lieke and Josh
FSR March 2020 with Callie Lindsey
Unbelievable -Justin Brierley
My Favorite Name is Jonathan - Janell Wood
City Church in Breda, The Netherlands
Door of Hope Church in Portland, OR
38 min
September 28, 2022 Talking about Crystals, Tarot Cards, & Worship with Katie Dommel
Katie Dommel joins up for today’s FSR episode! She and Janell talk about the struggle of trusting God, how growing up in a legalistic environment impacted her, and more! They have a bit of a discussion about Liz’s faith story as well. They also talk about crystals, tarot cards, and other new age practices. They discuss the idea that “should Christians use them?” is not the best question to ask. Instead, maybe we should as “is this glorifying God?”
Today’s episode is a thought provoking one, we hope you enjoy!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR s5e31 Introducing Liz
FSR s5e32 with Sheila
FSR s5e33 with Dr. A.J. Swoboda

FSR Nov 2019 with Katie Dommel
FSR Dec 2021 with Katie Dommel
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist - Geisler, Turek
FSR August 2022 with Frank Turek
https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-divination.html

StreetLights App
Live No Lies Podcast with John Mark Comer
The Bible Project
Live Not By Lies by John Mark Comer
Sit Walk Stand - Watchman Nee
Maverick City
Jesus Image
Upper Room
Bethel Worship
1 Corinthians 10

Ephesians 6:10-13
”Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
John 10:7-10
”Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Romans 12:1-2
”I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
48 min
September 21, 2022 How to Question Faith Without Losing It with Dr. A.J. Swoboda
Dr. A. J Swoboda joins us today on the Finding Something REAL podcast! He shares a bit about his faith journey, his ministry, and what it means to be an academic. He shares about his book Over Doubt, why young people desire to break rules, and the tenancy humans have to be over-curious. They talk about how pharisaical rules may sometimes get in the way of someone’s spiritual journey, deconstruction and searching for God when you are not sure you want to look for Him, and a lot more! We hope you enjoy this episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR s5e31 Introducing Liz
FSR s5e32 with Sheila
A. J. Swoboda sharing at Bridgetown Church
After Doubt book- A. J. Swoboda
In Faith & Doubt Podcast
Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast
The Alisa Childers Podcast
Left Behind - Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins
Live No Lies - John Mark Comer
The Last Word - N. T. Wright
Another Gospel - Alisa Childers
The Soul of Shame - Curt Thompson
The Soul of Desire - Curt Thompson
The Chosen Series
The Chosen - the calling of Matthew
The Bible Answer Man
John 5:4 - GotQuestions commentary
51 min
September 14, 2022 What’s the big deal about Sex? with Sheila Wray Gregoire
Hey Friends! We hope you’re having a good Wednesday!
Content warning: Lots of sex talk
Today we’re welcoming Sheila Wray Gregoire on the podcast! Sheila shares her faith journey and shares about her ministry that helps Christians view sex in a Biblical way and helps them heal from harmful teachings about sex.
Janell, Sheila, and Liz have a conversation about faith struggles, shame, the importance of intimacy and passion, hookup culture, and what happens when we reduce sex to just the physical aspect. They also talk about how God has created us for intimacy, why God cares about sexual sins, the wording surrounding sexual sings, and how God has created us for a deep connection with Him. We hope you enjoy this episode!
About Sheila Wray Gregoire
Sheila Wray Gregoire is the author of eleven books including The Great Sex Rescue, the host of the Bare Marriage podcast, and the founder of To Love Honor and Vacuum. An award-winning writer, Sheila calls the church to more than just pat answers by conducting original research to find out what advice works–and what really doesn’t.
Sheila and her husband Keith have been married for over 30 years. Together they have two adult daughters, one son in heaven, two sons-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR s5e32 with Introducing Liz
Bare Marriage
Bare Marriage Podcast
The Great Sex Rescue - Sheila Wray Gregoire
The Good Girl’s Guide to Sex - Sheila Wray Gregoire
The Good Guy’s Guide to Sex - Sheila Wray Gregoire, Dr. Keith Gregoire
46 min
September 07, 2022 Introducing Liz & Her Faith Story
Hey Friends, happy September!
We are excited to introduce you to Liz! Liz shares with us a bit about her experience growing up with a single mom and seeing her dad only so often. She shares how she felt like she needed to make her dad proud of her and how those insecurities have impacted her life today. Liz shares about her love for music and her experience loving church when she was younger and what eventually caused her to stop going to church even though she still believes in God. Liz expresses her affection for crystals and tarot cards and why she believes that the words “God” and “Universe” are interchangeable.
This month, we will discuss a few of Elizabeth’s questions such as:
- How can we know if crystals and tarot cards are wrong?
- How can we believe in sin and still love people? Particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Why is sex outside of marriage frowned upon?
- How can we view the desire for perfection under the lens of freedom and grace?
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
42 min
August 31, 2022 Made for Relationship with God? with Kasey Leander
Happy Wednesday! Kasey Leander joins us on the podcast again today! Though Leonie could not attend the recording, Dagmar has joined Janell and Kasey for today’s podcast!
Kasey give a bit of an update on what’s been happening in his life and shares a bit about his ministry that revolves around writing about culture and the Christian response.
Today, the crew talks about how people are not our adversaries, the difference between helpful and harmful worldviews, and how to respond when someone is wrestling with God, but does not have a Christian community. They also talk about the idea of having a relationship with God and what “God does not have grandchildren” means. There is also talk about responding to the self-love movement, sexuality, and movements within the culture in general and the mental health sphere particularly, and so much more! We hope you enjoy this episode!
Mature Content: There is discussion of mental health and sex in this episode.
About Kasey Leander
Kasey Leander is a Breakpoint Contributor at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He holds a BA in History and PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) from Taylor University, and a Certificate in Theological Studies from Oxford University. After completing his study at Oxford, Kasey lived in Boston, where he spoke on apologetics topics at leading universities in New England and across the country. He has also worked briefly in politics, interning in the US Senate in Washington, DC.Kasey’s passion is applying the answers of Jesus to modern life. Originally from Colorado Springs, Kasey loves action films, racket sports, strategy games and food trucks.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Kasey previous episodes
FSR s5e26 with Leonie
FSR s5e with Leonie and Frank
FSR s5e with Leonie and Stephanie
Far June 2022 with Abdu
FSR October 2020 with Kasey
FSR February 2021 with Kasey
FSR s4e8 with Drew- Same-Sex Attraction and the Church
FSR s4e24 with Drew- Holy Tension and Tough Topics
FSR April 2022 with Drew and Cynthia
Cinema Snorkel with Kasey and Karlyn Leander
Cross Examined Instructor's Academy
The Colson Center
Dominion - Tom Holland
The Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self - Carl. R. Trueman
Enlightenment Now - Steven Pinker
Top Gun: Maverick Trailer
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Matt Damon Interview on Graham Norton Show
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
John 3
1 hr 23 min
August 24, 2022 Jesus: More Than Fire Insurance with Gernot Zeilinger
Hey Friends! Today, Gernot joins Janell for another podcast!
Janell talks a little about why Leonie chose not to record this episode and a little about the puddle ocean analogy when it comes to faith.
Gernot shares his faith journey, how he started living his Christian faith, and his personal story about loss. Janell and Gernot talk about the question “Do you want God?” and they discuss the idea that for some, spending eternity with a God they do not love will be hell.
Janell and Gernot also talk about how the goodness of God leads people to salvation, choosing to trust Jesus, and how Jesus changes everything. We hope you enjoy this episode!
About Gernot Zeilinger
Gernot has a B.A in International Business Administration as well as a Certificate in Theological Studies from Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford and a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Systematic and Philosophic Theology at the University of Nottingham and has started the process to become ordained in the Lutheran Church in Austria. He is currently working for Campus für Christus (the Austrian subsidiary of CRU) to create an apologetics ministry there named PROFUNDUM, focused on building bridges and dialogue between Christianity and secular perspectives to show the truth and relevance of Christianity for the world.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR s5e26 with Leonie
FSR s5e with Leonie and Frank
FSR s5e with Leonie and Stephanie
Far June 2022 with Abdu
FSR May with Shannon Moore
FSR April 2021 with Julia Garschagen
The Great Divorce- C. S. Lewis
Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
John 17:3
Revelation 21:23
1 hr 3 min
August 17, 2022 Out of the Mud Puddle into the Ocean with Stephanie Rousselle
Happy Wednesday!
We are happy to welcome Stephanie Rousselle back to the podcast! She is joined by two young women who are special to Janell— Leonie and Zoe!
Stephanie shares about her upbringing in France, her pursuit of academic excellence, how she went from an atheist to someone who surrendered to a God she wasn’t sure she could fully trust. She talks about how she wrestled with fully surrendering to God and how getting to know God’s character helped her with her decision to trust Him.
They also have a great discussion of prayer, what changes practically when she surrendered to God, and how she found such a peace and joy in surrendering to God. They also have a discussion about the place of rules or guidelines in the Christian faith. Lastly, Stephanie has one challenges Zoe and Leonie (and any young person who is questioning whether or not God exists). We hope you enjoy this episode!
About Stephanie Rousselle
Stephanie Rousselle is the founder of Gospel Spice Ministries. Her motto is, “God’s glory, our delight!” She thrives on Bible-centered inspirational writing and speaking, and dark chocolate. She knows herself too well to take herself seriously... Born and raised in France, she has lived for her One over the last two decades on three continents, four countries and five cities through six professional roles. She is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, Bible teacher, former women’s ministry director and strategy consultant. And she is 100% French. She loves sharing nuances taken from the French and English languages and cultures to experience the New Testament from the inside out. She has quoted her favorite words more times than she can count, first to herself and her children, and then also in settings as diverse as Bible studies, conferences, podcasts and more: “There is nothing you can do for God to love you more; and there is nothing you can do for God to love you less.”
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR s5e26 with Leonie
FSR s5e17 Totti’s Intro Episode
FSR March 2021 with Stephanie Rouselle
FSR March 2021 with Lu
Gospel Spice website
Gospel Spice episode with Dallas Jenkins
Gospel Spice episode with Jonathan Evans
Jonathan Evan's eulogy for his mom
The Chosen
St. Augustine
The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses, C. S. Lewis
”It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
God’s Revelation to Elijah - 1 Kings 19:11-18
1 hr 5 min
August 10, 2022 The Most Amazing Story Ever Told with Frank Turek
Frank Turek joins the podcast today! Janell, Frank, and Leonie have a fascinating conversation about Frank’s New book, how Harry Potter parallels the Bible, what C. S. Lewis and Tolkein discussed about fantasies and myths, and more!
They also talk about how we can dedicate our lives to something we cannot prove exists, how we can know God by his effects. They talk about design and moral law point to a creator. They talk prayer, Bible reading, Frank’s testimony, the difference between trusting in God and intellectual knowledge of God, the challenges facing Christian young people today, and more! We hope you enjoy this episode!
About Frank Turek
Dr. Frank Turek is a dynamic speaker and award-winning author or coauthor of five books: Hollywood Heroes How Your Favorite Movies Reveal God, Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God to make their Case, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, Correct, Not Politically Correct and Legislating Morality. As the President of CrossExamined.org, Frank presents powerful and entertaining evidence for Christianity at churches, high schools and at secular college campuses that often begin hostile to his message. He has also debated several prominent atheists including Christopher Hitchens and David Silverman, president of American Atheists.
Frank hosts an hour-long TV program each week called I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist that is broadcast Wednesday nights on DirecTV Channel 378 (NRBTV). His radio program called CrossExamined with Frank Turek airs on 186 stations every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. eastern and is available continuously on the free CrossExamined App
Frank is a widely featured guest in the media as a leading apologetics expert and cultural commentator. He has appeared on hundreds of radio programs and many top TV programs including: The O’Reilly Factor, Hannity and Colmes, Faith Under Fire, and Politically Incorrect. He also writes a column for Townhall.com and several other sites.
A former aviator in the US Navy, Frank has a master’s degree from the George Washington University and a doctorate from Southern Evangelical Seminary. He and his wife, Stephanie, are blessed with three grown sons.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
FSR s5e26 with Leonie
Cross Examined.Org
Cross Examined Instagram
Frank Turek debate with Christopher Hitchens
Frank Turek interview with Alisa Childers
Southern Evangelical Seminary
Hollywood Heroes - Frank Turek
Evidence that Demands a Verdict - Josh McDowell
More than a Carpenter -Josh McDowell
I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist - Norman Geisler
Reason for God - Tim Keller
Harry Potter
Lord of the Rings
The Chronicles of Narnia
Iron Man
Star Wars
Norman Geisler
Proverbs 4:23
”Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
1 hr
August 03, 2022 Introducing Leonie & Her Faith Story
Happy August!
Today on Finding Something REAL, we are introducing Leonie! Leonie is one of the exchange daughters that Janell’s family has hosted. They talk about her experience going from being an only child to spending a year as the older sister of Janell’s four kids. They talk about Leonie’s plans for after graduation and why she was hesitant to come back on the podcast. Leonie expressed that this is her first time being around people who take their faith seriously. She never really went to church except for Christmas, but other than that never really experienced faith until she saw one of her friends in Germany praying and reading the bible.
Janell and Leonie chat about Leonie’s faith journey so far, the people who inspire her, her experience praying, and why love is the most compelling thing for her.
We hope you enjoy today’s episode!
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!
Christmas 2020 Episode
Hansel & Gretel
MacGyver (1980s version)
Redeeming Love - Francine Rivers
Case for Christ - Lee Strobel
“Ebenezer” meaning

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Jeremiah 29:13
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
52 min

About Finding Something Real Podcast

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Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your…