In this episode, I’m sharing why Advent has become such a meaningful season for me—one marked by anticipation, preparation, and a deliberate slowing down. I talk through some of the practices my family and I are leaning into this year, why I’m taking a step back from social media, and how intentional rhythms can make room for real peace and hope.

I also walk through a reading from Philippians and reflect on the themes of humility, contentment, and the true cost of following Jesus. My prayer is that this conversation helps you sink deeper into Scripture and cultivate a heart that’s attentive to Christ as we move toward Christmas.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri

Subscribe to The Digest: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlDg0tCmIGqGkh9vpzf99V3x76AnMeuGZKlaC-umTajMKinA/viewform?usp=header

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Advent and Personal Reflection

06:12 – Embracing Advent: Intentional Practices

11:55 – Reading and Reflecting on Philippians

48:29 – Conclusion and Future Conversations

In this episode of Going Deeper, I talk with Sharon Hodde Miller about the growing problem of self-righteousness among Christians online, especially after Charlie Kirk's assassination. We unpack how the self-esteem movement has shaped how many believers think about identity and worth—and how it fosters the idea that we are called to self-discovery rather than self-denial. Sharon also shares biblical wisdom on modesty and humility in appearance, revealing that modesty may not be so much about covering up as about being intentional about dressing in a way that fosters compassion rather than comparison. 

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri

Subscribe to The Digest: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlDg0tCmIGqGkh9vpzf99V3x76AnMeuGZKlaC-umTajMKinA/viewform?usp=header

Free of Me Book: https://sheworships.com/free-of-me/

Gazing at God Book: https://sheworships.com/gazing-at-god/

Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonhmiller/

In this episode of Going Deeper, I’m unpacking the idea of the “Wellness Gospel”—the subtle belief that health and self-optimization can save us. I share about my own journey with health and wellness, and how something good slowly became an identity that distanced me from Jesus. I talk about how easy it is to elevate health, balance, and self-care above obedience and surrender, and how the true gospel of Jesus calls us into something far more radical. Through Scripture, I contrast the Wellness Gospel with the real gospel—the one that invites us to lose our lives for Christ’s sake and trust Him completely.

I also answered a listener's question about feeling distant from God. I share how faith isn’t about chasing feelings but about knowing God and remembering His faithfulness, even when our emotions waver. My hope is that this episode helps you see the difference between caring for your body and worshiping it—and reminds you that real wellness begins with a soul anchored in Him.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri

Subscribe to The Digest: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlDg0tCmIGqGkh9vpzf99V3x76AnMeuGZKlaC-umTajMKinA/viewform?usp=header

Chapters
00:00 — Today's Agenda
03:12 — My Wellness Story
12:45 — The Wellness Gospel
23:30 — A Biblical View of Health
32:18 — Radical Faith 
38:50 — Listener Question: Feeling Distant from God

Keywords
wellness gospel, health, faith, Jesus, radical verses, self-help, spirituality, holistic health, personal journey, listener question

In this episode of Going Deeper, we're talking about ChatGPT boundaries, Influencer culture, and the spiritual discipline of Bible reading—and why its so hard. My hope is that this episode encourages you to stay spiritually awake and intentional as we learn to follow Jesus faithfully in a world driven by technology.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri

Subscribe to The Digest: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlDg0tCmIGqGkh9vpzf99V3x76AnMeuGZKlaC-umTajMKinA/viewform?usp=header

Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction and Overview
02:19 — The Bible Bag and Prayer Practices
07:47 — Navigating AI and ChatGPT Boundaries
27:32 — The Rise of AI Influencers
36:07 — Understanding the Challenges of Bible Reading

In this episode, I’m joined by Griffin Gooch to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in both culture and the church—happiness. Griffin is a theologian and writer who’s exploring what it really means to live a happy and holy life, and how our understanding of happiness has shifted throughout history.

We dig into the Beatitudes as Jesus’s surprising pathway to joy, how pleasure, meaning, and growth each play a role in true happiness, and why pursuing happiness for its own sake often leaves us emptier than before. Griffin also shares practical, gospel-shaped ways to navigate mental health struggles, practice gratitude, and find lasting fulfillment through community and service.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between happiness and holiness, or wondered what Jesus actually meant by the “abundant life,” this conversation will challenge and encourage you in the best way.

Follow Griffin on Substack: https://griffingooch.substack.com/ 

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlDg0tCmIGqGkh9vpzf99V3x76AnMeuGZKlaC-umTajMKinA/viewform?usp=header

Welcome back to Going Deeper! After a short break, I’m so excited to return with a brand-new season—and to finally share a few updates on what’s been happening behind the scenes, including my upcoming book on the “good life” and my new newsletter, The Digest. 

In today’s episode, we’re diving into several big conversations happening across Christian culture—from Forrest Frank’s decision not to attend the Dove Awards, to the online discourse surrounding Jackie Hill Perry and Christian Nationalism, and even the controversy surrounding Taylor Swift’s latest album. These cultural moments have raised numerous questions about personal convictions, Christian liberty, and what unity entails within the body of Christ.

We’ll talk about how to discern between sin and personal conviction, why sanctification looks different for every believer, and how to practice humility and grace when we disagree. At the heart of it all is this: how can we live in the world but not of it, and what does God say about how we should live as witnesses of Jesus? 

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustineCheri

Subscribe to my newsletter: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa

Submit a question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlDg0tCmIGqGkh9vpzf99V3x76AnMeuGZKlaC-umTajMKinA/viewform?usp=header

Timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome Back + Book Update
03:16 — Cultural Observations 
06:26 — Forrest Frank’s and the Dove Awards
12:18 — Jackie Hill Perry, Allie Stuckey, and Online Discourse
15:09 — Is listening to Taylor Swift a sin?
27:44 — Charitable Disagreeing
31:54 — Conformity to the World
36:11 — Friendship with the World 
44:13 — Loving the World 
50:11 — Being in the World but Not of It
54:14 — Answering Listener Question

In this episode of the Going Deeper podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Carl—an old pastor and friend—to talk through the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. We explore what this moment means for Christians trying to navigate the tricky intersection of faith and politics. We reflect on the nature of evil, the importance of holding fast to scripture, and the role of forgiveness—even in the midst of political conflict. This conversation highlights why it’s so important for Christians to engage thoughtfully and biblically in public discussions while staying rooted in the truth of the gospel.

More resources from Jonathan Carl: https://www.trustworthyword.com/ 

12 Rules of Political Engagement for Christians:
https://www.trustworthyword.com/rules-of-political-engagement

Next Steps When Your Nation Is Suffering—Be An Elihu!:
https://www.trustworthyword.com/next-steps-when-your-nation-is-suffering

How To Vote Biblically When Neither Candidate Looks Anything Like Jesus:
https://www.trustworthyword.com/how-to-vote-when-neither-candidate-looks-like-jesus 

How to Respond to the Most Common Arguments for Abortion:
https://www.trustworthyword.com/response-to-the-most-common-arguments-for-abortion

Timestamps: 
00:00 – Introduction and Background
01:25 – The Trump Tweet Incident
04:16 – Processing Tragedy: Charlie Kirk's Assassination
11:32 – The Gospel's Influence in Public Discourse
19:15 – Political Idolization and Its Subtlety
21:56 – Forgiveness and the Memorial Service
28:36 – Navigating Political and Biblical Issues
32:23 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, I’m exploring the complex world of cultural beauty standards and self-perception through a biblical lens. I address the tension we experience regarding personal choices about our appearance, what it means to bear God’s image, and how cultural expectations can shape—or sometimes distort—our self-perception. I’m also sharing a bit of my writing journey and what I’m learning about humility as I grow older in a world that is often obsessed with youth and perfection. I hope that this conversation will help us approach beauty with wisdom, discernment, and hearts anchored in truth and grace.

Subscribe to my NEW Newsletter: https://justinecheri.kit.com/ab6b561afa 

Read the Essay On Facelifts, Fillers, and Faith: https://www.justinecheri.com/articles/on-facelifts-fillers-and-faith

Chapters
00:00 Season Two Reflections and Future Plans
12:32 The Journey to Authorship
22:48 Beauty Standards and Cultural Reflections

Tags: Should Christians get Botox? Should Christians get fillers? What does the Bible say about Botox and beauty? Kris Jenner's Deep Plane Facelift

In this episode of the Going Deeper podcast, host Justine Ordway interviews Tilly Dillehay, author of 'My Dear Hemlock'. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, which is a fictional exploration of feminine virtues and vices, inspired by C.S. Lewis's 'Screwtape Letters'. Tilly shares insights on the struggles women face, including the role of empathy, the importance of confession, and the impact of social media. The conversation also touches on the power of prayer and the spiritual warfare that comes with writing about such topics. Tilly emphasizes the unique power women have in spiritual battles and the importance of pursuing holiness for the right reasons.

Buy Tilly's book, My Dear Hemlock: https://amzn.to/3HP0SWQ

Chapters:

00:00
Introduction to Tilly Dillehay

03:01
The Inspiration Behind 'My Dear Hemlock'

05:52
Exploring Feminine Vices and Virtues

08:53
The Role of Empathy in Women's Lives

11:35
Confession and Its Importance

14:34
Unique Temptations Faced by Women

22:13
The Writing Process and Personal Reflection

24:48
Exploring Temptations and Struggles for Women

27:51
The Impact of Social Media on Spiritual Life

31:13
The Challenge of Writing from a Unique Perspective

33:11
The Power of Prayer in Spiritual Warfare

38:04
The Pursuit of Holiness vs. Self-Image

39:58
Facing Mortality and the Hope of Eternity

42:48
Empowering Women in Spiritual Warfare

Tags: Tilly Dillehay, My Dear Hemlock, feminine virtues, empathy, confession, social media, spiritual warfare, prayer, women's struggles, C.S. Lewis

In this episode of the Going Deeper podcast, I’m joined by my friend Bethany for a heartfelt conversation about prayer—especially in the thick of motherhood. Bethany shares her journey to faith and how her prayer life has grown and changed over the years. We talk honestly about the struggle to stay connected to God when life feels loud and overwhelming, and how prayer doesn’t have to be formal or perfect—it can simply be a real, ongoing conversation with the Lord. We also reflect on the power of praying in community, the legacy our prayers leave for our children, and how vulnerability with God is where intimacy begins. Whether you feel confident in your prayer life or completely scattered, I hope this episode reminds you that God just wants your heart—and He’s always ready to listen.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction and Icebreakers
05:39 - Bethany's Journey of Faith and Prayer
11:19 - The Impact of Motherhood on Prayer Life
16:47 - The Power of Prayer and Generational Impact
21:07 - Overcoming Technical Challenges in Prayer Conversations
21:11 - The Importance of Prayer in Times of Need
22:05 - Maturity in Prayer: Developing a Habit
23:25 - The Modern Church's Struggle with Prayer
24:43 - Recognizing Spiritual Warfare in Daily Life
24:59 - Finding Rhythms of Prayer in Chaos
28:22 - The Simplicity of Prayer: A Relationship, Not a Ritual
30:56 - Making Space for Prayer Amid Distractions
34:39 - The Power of Prayer: Personal Testimonies
41:59 - Encouragement for Developing a Prayer Life
44:19 - The Transformative Power of Prayer in Our Lives

Tags:

prayer, motherhood, faith, spiritual growth, community, intimacy with God, overcoming shame, prayer life, personal testimony, encouragement