In this episode of the Grow + Go podcast, I sit down with Tabitha Yates—mental health advocate, survivor, and author of Jesus and Therapy—for a vulnerable, honest conversation about trauma, healing, and rediscovering faith. Tabitha shares her story of navigating spiritual abuse, mental health struggles, and the long, painful journey back to the heart of God.

We talk about what it means to be honest about our pain, how to support others without trying to fix them, and why the church needs a better conversation around mental health. This is a breath-for-your-lungs kind of episode—a tender reminder that God doesn’t rush our healing, and Jesus walks with us through every step of it.

We discuss:✨ How trauma and abuse shaped (but didn’t silence) Tabitha’s story✨ The courage it takes to come back to church after spiritual hurt✨ Why seeking therapy and community isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom✨ How vulnerability and boundaries can coexist in Christian community✨ The deep love of God for those in the middle of the healing process

Know someone who feels like faith and pain don’t belong in the same sentence? Share this episode with them—it might be the breath of hope they need today.

Connect further with Tabitha:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Jesus + Therapy Book

Connect further with Em:

⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠emtyler.com⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | Facebook |  ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Interested in having Em come speak at your event? ⁠Book Em today!

If you want to influence others, start by encouraging what God is doing. Barnabas didn’t tear down, he built up.

So can you.

In this episode of the Grow + Go podcast, I sit down with father-son duo Lon and Ryan Wiksell to explore the Jewishness of Jesus, the depth of Holy Week, and the story behind their co-written book, The Last Seder of James. We talk about what it means to truly engage with Scripture through imagination, historical context, and the lens of Messianic faith.

Lon and Ryan share the process of writing a trilogy that bridges fiction with theology and helps readers rediscover communion, Passover, and Easter in light of their shared Jewish roots. This conversation is rich in wisdom, wonder, and the reminder that Jesus' story is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures.

We discuss:✨ How understanding Passover deepens our view of Holy Week and Easter✨ Why the Jewishness of Jesus matters for modern believers✨ The power of storytelling to bring Scripture to life✨ Lessons from writing (and self-publishing) as a father-son team✨ The four cups of Passover and their connection to communion✨ How imagination helps us engage with Scripture in a transformative way

Know someone hungry to go deeper into Scripture or reconnect with the roots of their faith? Share this episode with them and invite them into the richness of God’s redemptive story.

Connect further with Ryan + Lon:

www.ourfatherabraham.com

Books mentioned: Our Father Abraham by Marvin Wilson; What They Heard Bible (maybe The Newer Testament: The Bible of the First Christians) by Dr. Brad Young; God's appointed times by Barney Kasdan; Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey.

Connect further with Em:

⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠emtyler.com⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | Facebook |  ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Interested in having Em come speak at your event? ⁠Book Em today! ⁠

In this episode of the Grow + Go podcast, I sit down with Rachael Adams—author, speaker, and host of The Love Offering podcast—for a powerful conversation about love, insecurity, and the importance of hearing God’s voice in the midst of everyday life. Rachael opens up about her personal journey with faith and how learning to receive God’s love enabled her to share it more freely with others.

We discuss:✨ Overcoming insecurity and finding our worth in God's eyes✨ The difference between self-love and godly humility✨ How small acts of love can make a big impact✨ Hearing God’s voice and trusting His timing✨ What it means to live out the greatest commandment—loving God and others well

What’s one simple way you can show love to someone today?

In this episode of the Grow + Go podcast, I sit down with Ana Murby—mother of five, author, and host of Honest Christian Conversations—for a raw and redemptive conversation about marriage, addiction, and the power of God's grace. Ana opens up about her experience of walking through multiple marriages, battling pornography addiction, and discovering what it really means to put Jesus at the centre of every relationship.

We discuss:✨ Why honesty and vulnerability are essential for healing and growth✨ How Ana navigated addiction and the freedom found through accountability✨ The sacred ministry of motherhood (even in the unseen and uncelebrated moments)✨ What it looks like to talk about taboo topics as Christians✨ How God redeems our story, no matter how messy the middle

Ana’s courage to speak truth into hidden places will stir your heart and remind you that no part of your story is wasted when it’s surrendered to Him.

Have you ever seen God use a part of your story you once wanted to hide?

In this episode of the Grow + Go podcast, I sit down with Christopher Lind to explore the hidden realities of spiritual warfare and how it impacts our lives. Christopher opens up about his unconventional upbringing and shares how his faith journey has been shaped by both personal struggles and the spiritual battles he’s faced.

We discuss:

✨ The influence of spiritual warfare on our lives✨ How our past experiences and struggles inform our present walk with God✨ The importance of grace, especially in the midst of expectations and difficulties✨ Parenting as a spiritual journey, with insights on raising children in a faith-filled environment✨ Navigating the challenges of authenticity in relationships and faith

Christopher shares powerful insights about finding God in the darkest of times, understanding grace, and the daily practices that help anchor us in our faith amidst life’s challenges.

Know someone who needs a reminder that spiritual warfare is real and God is not only in the fight with us (but, spoiler alert: wins)? Share this episode and let’s keep growing together!

Connect further with Christopher:

Website 

Connect further with Em:

⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠emtyler.com⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | Facebook |  ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Interested in having Em come speak at your event? ⁠Book Em today! ⁠

In this episode of Grow + Go, I sit down with Abigail Denton—pastor’s wife, leader, and honest voice of hope—to talk about the real, behind-the-scenes journey of faith, identity, and healing. Abigail opens up about the unique challenges of ministry life, the pressures of expectations, and the battle to find worth apart from performance.

We dive into:✨ Navigating the spirit of control within churches and learning to stand firm in God’s love✨ Facing doubt and mental health struggles while still clinging to faith✨ Letting go of people-pleasing and finding true security in Christ✨ Recognising God's goodness in the little things—even in the hardest seasons✨ Choosing contentment and hope within the boundaries of your life

This conversation is a raw and refreshing reminder that God's love isn’t earned—it’s given freely—and that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from a deep, genuine relationship with Him.

Connect further with Em:

⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠emtyler.com⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | Facebook |  ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Interested in having Em come speak at your event? ⁠Book Em today! ⁠

I don’t have neat words for it yet… just awe.

God is so good.

Marking this moment with an Ebenezer video after the very first Established Conference.

On this episode of Grow + Go, I sit down with Rev Susan Stevenson to talk about the highs and lows of ministry, the challenges of transition, and what it really means to have courage and trust in faith. We dive into the messy reality of feelings, the journey of forgiveness, and why community is essential in walking this out. Susan shares powerful personal stories of encountering God and how knowing our identity in Christ changes everything. No matter where you are or what you're facing, God is at work—even when you don’t see it. We wrap up with a prayer over you, reminding you of your worth and the depth of God’s love for you.Connect further with Em:

⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠emtyler.com⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | Facebook |  ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Interested in having Em come speak at your event? ⁠Book Em today! ⁠

On this episode of Grow + Go, I sit down with Audra Powers to talk about faith, prayer, and what it really means to be led by the Holy Spirit. We dive into the challenges of staying flexible with Bible reading in the midst of a busy life, the power of personal testimonies, and the ongoing journey of spiritual growth. Audra shares her experiences as a mum and a writer, emphasising the importance of a deep, personal relationship with God and the transformation that comes from surrendering to the Spirit’s leading.

We also tackle the challenge of information overload, the difference between cultivating your calling and simply chasing dreams, and why perseverance matters more than perfection. If you’ve ever wrestled with where your gifts fit or how to fully surrender your plans to God, this conversation will encourage you to trust Him with what’s in your hands and watch Him bring the growth.

Key info:

Write the Word Journals

Connect further with Audra:

Life Empowered

Connect further with Em:

⁠Substack⁠ | ⁠emtyler.com⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | Facebook |  ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Interested in having Em come speak at your event? ⁠Book Em today! ⁠

Keywords: faith, prayer, Holy Spirit, motherhood, flexibility, daily life, testimony, encouragement, Christian living, spiritual growth, spiritual growth, Holy Spirit, relationship with God, cultivating calling, perseverance, self-help, information overload, Christian faith, personal development, prayer