Do you avoid confrontation? Do you shrink back when you know someone disagrees with you—especially about faith, politics, or truth?

In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I reflect on how stepping into uncomfortable conversations can grow your confidence, deepen your faith, and stretch you spiritually. After a powerful and unexpected conversation with former CNN journalist John DeDakis, I share how God used discomfort to challenge my biases, expand my perspective, and remind me that we don’t have to “win” every conversation to walk in truth.

This episode is an encouragement for Christians who feel nervous about engaging people with different views but sense God nudging them to step out of their comfort zone with grace and courage.

👉 Want to go deeper?
Listen to the full conversation that inspired this minisode:
Faith, Politics, and Truth: A Conversation with a Former CNN Journalist

If something from this episode or the full conversation challenged you, encouraged you, or stirred questions, I’d love to hear from you.

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In today’s episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I sit down with John Dedakis, a former journalist who spent decades in the media world, including time working at CNN and as a White House correspondent for Christian Broadcasting Network.

This conversation goes beyond political talking points and into something deeper: truth, discernment, and Christian responsibility in an increasingly polarized culture. We discuss the difference between journalism that informs versus media that persuades, the dangers of placing political loyalty above faith, and how Christians can seek facts without sacrificing biblical values.

John shares insights from his years in journalism, explaining how media bias develops, why trusted news sources matter, and how fear and power can distort both politics and faith. We also wrestle honestly with uncomfortable questions many believers face today:

• Can Christians disagree politically and still honor Christ?

• What happens when political leaders are treated like saviors?

• How do we stay grounded in Scripture while navigating modern media?

This episode is not about telling you how to vote — it’s about encouraging you to think critically, seek truth faithfully, and place your hope in Christ above all else.

Take a look at John's novels: https://johndedakis.com/

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What happens when God answers your prayer… but not in the way you expected? In this minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I share a real-life moment of asking God for patience—and then walking straight into a day full of slow drivers, tech issues, parenting meltdowns, and emotional exhaustion. The answer to my prayer came through pressure, not peace.

This short episode explores why spiritual growth often comes through frustration, how to process anger toward God in a healthy way, and why honest faith means bringing your real emotions to Him—even when you’re irritated, tired, or overwhelmed. You’ll hear encouragement to release your anger without letting bitterness take root and a reminder that God can handle your honesty.

I also reflect on my powerful conversation with Weston Brandon, who walked through deep grief after losing his wife and wrestled with God through his pain. His story is a reminder that even in heartbreak and unanswered questions, growth is possible—and faith can survive seasons of anger.

If you’ve ever prayed for change and then felt overwhelmed by the process, this minisode will encourage you to see frustration as part of growth—not proof that God has abandoned you.

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🎧 Want to go deeper?
Listen to the full conversation with Weston Brandon

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Is it okay to be angry with God after tragedy? In this deeply moving episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I step out of my comfort zone by speaking with Weston Brandon, a member of the LDS Church, about grief, faith, and healing after unimaginable loss. Weston shares the heartbreaking story of losing his wife just weeks after the birth of their son—and the anger, questions, and raw prayers that followed.

Together, we explore what honest prayer looks like in seasons of pain, whether faith can survive deep anger toward God, and how healing can begin even when answers never come. This conversation also touches on widower grief, finding love again without guilt, navigating faith differences, and trusting God through life-altering tragedy.

If you’ve ever felt angry with God, struggled with grief after loss, or wondered if faith can coexist with heartbreak, this episode offers hope, honesty, and encouragement.

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When you hear the word obedience, do you cringe? You’re not alone. In this Season 6 minisode of Honest Christian Conversations, I unpack why obedience to Christ isn’t about control—it’s about freedom. Inspired by my conversation with Scott Mocha, I challenge the fear of sharing the gospel and introduce a new kind of FOMO: fear of missing what God wants to do through you. This episode encourages believers to step out of their comfort zones, model faith through action, and allow their children to encounter Jesus in real, personal ways.

If you’ve ever hesitated when God nudged you to love someone others avoid, this minisode is for you.

👉 This minisode only scratches the surface. My full conversation with Scott Mocha was deeply encouraging and challenged how I think about loving people. Listen to that episode here

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What do you do when God nudges you to speak to someone you’d rather avoid?
In this powerful episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I sit down with Scott Mocha to explore how God often calls us to love the very people society overlooks.

Scott shares his remarkable journey—from addiction to experiencing radical transformation through unconditional love. Together, Scott and I unpack what it really looks like to respond when God calls you in the moment—without fear, judgment, or pressure to “get it right.”

This conversation challenges believers to move past comfort, religious performance, and excuses, and instead reflect the heart of Christ through genuine connection, compassion, and obedience.

If you’ve ever wondered how to share your faith naturally, love people who don’t believe like you, or respond when God places someone on your heart, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Listen to Scott's Memoir

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January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again

Throughout January, I’m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations—moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.

Today’s minisode features a 3-minute clip from Part Two of a two-part conversation centered on repentance, healing, and spiritual freedom. In this episode, I speak with Beatty Carmichael as we explore the power of strategic repentance and how confronting past sin can lead to profound healing and newfound peace, inspired by Proverbs 28:13.

Because this conversation unfolds over two episodes, I strongly encourage you to listen to Part One first, followed by the full episode of Part Two, to fully grasp the depth and heart of this message.

Whether this is your first time hearing this discussion or a reminder of a truth you’ve encountered before, I invite you to revisit both episodes prayerfully.

Sometimes God uses a familiar call to repentance to bring lasting healing and freedom.

🎧 Original Episodes:
• Can Repentance Bring Healing? — Part One
• Can Repentance Bring Healing? — Part Two

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January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again

Throughout January, I’m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations—moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.

Today’s minisode features a 3-minute clip from a previous episode centered on breaking free from religious legalism and finding true peace in Christ. For many years, I was personally steeped in legalism, and the aftermath was painful and lasting.

In the original episode, I speak with Desiree Taylor, author of Created to Relate, as she shares her powerful testimony of breaking free from the chains of legalism and discovering authentic freedom and peace in Christ.

Whether this is your first time hearing this conversation or a reminder of truth you’ve already encountered, I invite you to go back and listen to the full episode.

Sometimes God uses a familiar message to gently lead us into deeper freedom.

🎧 Original Episode: Finding Peace Beyond Religious Legalism

Buy Desiree’s book

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January Revisit: A Favorite Moment Worth Hearing Again

Throughout January, I’m sharing short clips from past episodes of Honest Christian Conversations—moments that deeply impacted me and continue to resonate.

Today’s minisode features a 3-minute clip from a previous episode where I share my spiritual reflections on the Quiet on the Set documentary and the hidden abuses within the 1990s–2000s Nickelodeon studio.

Whether this is your first time listening or a reminder of a conversation you’ve already heard, I invite you to go back and listen to the full episode.

Sometimes God uses a familiar message to speak to us in a brand-new way.

🎧 Original Episode: My Takeaway from the Quiet On The Set Documentary

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As we step into a new year, I’m sharing some significant changes coming to Honest Christian Conversations—and the personal journey God has been leading me through to get here.

After a season of deep reflection, conviction, and prayer, I realized I needed to grow in boldness, humility, and love—especially when it comes to engaging with people I disagree with. This episode is an honest look at what it means to let God stretch our faith, challenge our comfort zones, and call us into deeper obedience.

If you’re entering this year sensing that God is calling you to grow, change, or step into something uncomfortable, you are not alone. Let’s walk this journey together and allow Him to transform us.

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