Honestly, Though

Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with Seana Scott to talk about her new book, Believe, and why the Gospel of John is such a rich place to encounter Jesus. They explore how devotion and theology belong together, why ordinary obedience matters more than big platform language, and how Scripture can meet both the doubter and the longtime believer. In this episode, they also talk honestly about learning to read the Bible, hearing God through His Word, and why John’s Gospel is especially helpful for people who want to know Jesus more deeply and personally.


Seana’s devotional reading pattern:

• • Pray and dump out the mental clutter
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to speak through the text
  • Read the passage slowly and in context
  • Notice what is actually being said
  • Identify what the Spirit is highlighting
  • Turn truth into prayer
  • Carry that truth into daily obedience

Sweet Potato Brownies

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup almond butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 t almond extract
• 2/3 c. cocoa powder
• 2/3 c maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Reeces Peanut Butter Chips
• 1/2 - 1 t sea salt
• 1/2 t baking soda

Mash sweet potato, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, almond extract, salt, and baking soda together. Slowly stir in 1/2 c chocolate chips. Take a little bit of sea salt and sprinkle the top of the mixture after putting it in a square baking pan (either spray with cooking spray or use parchment paper to line). Sprinkle RPC chips across the top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes. DEVOUR.

Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika catch up on major life changes, from new jobs and ministry shifts to empty nesting, writing projects, and the rhythms of following God in a new season. What starts with peacocks, golden retrievers, and WNBA talk turns into an honest conversation about calling, burnout, friendship, and how God shapes different seasons of faithfulness.

Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez welcome Bible teacher and theologian Misty Hedrick for a rich conversation about Dolly Parton, the book of Esther, and why flattened stories of women do a disservice to the text and to readers. Sharing her PhD research, Misty shows us why neglecting the book of Esther is to neglect one of the most gospel-rich books in the Old Testament.

Find Misty on Substack HERE.

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

What happens when a man raised in a devout Hindu home encounters Jesus?
Kamal Manik grew up in Mumbai, India, immersed in Hinduism and deeply committed to his faith. But his search for God eventually led him somewhere he never expected—to Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Rebecca Carrell and guest host Dr. Josh Winn sit down with Kamal to hear his remarkable story. Along the way, Kamal helps us understand the Hindu beliefs that shaped his childhood—from karma and dharma to reincarnation and spiritual power—and what changed when he encountered the gospel.

This is more than a conversation about two different religions. It’s a conversation about striving versus grace, uncertainty versus assurance, and trying to earn your way to God versus discovering the God who came looking for you.

Today, Kamal’s story has come full circle as he prepares to plant a church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and share the hope of Jesus with others.

If you’ve ever wondered what Hindus believe, how Christians can lovingly engage their Hindu friends and neighbors, or what makes the gospel of Jesus so radically different, this conversation is for you.


We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected] or on Twitter: @TBStandridge

Where is God in math? Join Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez in this episode of Honestly, Though, as we explore the fascinating intersection of faith, mathematics, and statistics. Dr. Jason Wilson serves at Biola University and has a passion for revealing God's fingerprint through numbers. Discover how understanding data can deepen your faith, enhance your discernment, and testify to the Creator’s divine design.

REFERENCES:

• Statistics and Faith by Dr. Jason Wilson 
• Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences
• Seeing Through Statistics by Jessica Utz

Connect with Dr. Jason Wilson:

• LinkedIn
• Personal Website

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas

We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

What is the Didache and why does it matter? In this episode of Honestly, Though, we explore the fascinating world of one of the oldest Christian documents outside the New Testament. Join us as Dr. Alan Garrow unpacks its significance, historical evolution, and relevance for believers today, revealing how ancient practices still shape contemporary faith.

Resources & Links:

• The Didache Discoveries: Recovering the Apostolic Decree and the Missing Epistle of John (Book)

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas

We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

Rebecca and guest co-host Dr. Josh Winn of Dallas Theological Seminary sit down with Dr. Gary Schnittjer, a seasoned Old Testament scholar, to explore how the earliest authors of the biblical texts understood the Scriptures. We uncover how understanding the interconnected story of the gospel transforms our approach to Bible study and deepens our faith journey.

Resources & Links:

• Connected: How Scripture Guides the Study of Scripture by Dr. Gary Schnittjer 
• Dr. Gary Schnittjer’s Substack
• Story of Scripture Podcast 

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

Do you ever wish your life followed a different storyline? Join Rebecca, special guest co-host Dr. Kelley Mathews, and Mary DeMuth as they invite you to "Restory Your Life. This episode explores the power of storytelling in healing, the biblical foundation of suffering and restoration, and practical steps for trusting the pen to Jesus to write a different story for you. Whether you're in the midst of hardship or celebrating victory, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and biblical insights that apply to every facet of life's journey.

Resources and Links:

• Kelly Matthews's dissertation "More Than a Mother"
• Restory Your Life by Mary DeMuth
• The Estuary Substack
• The Psalms of Lament

Connect with Mary DeMuth:

• Website
• X
• Instagram

Connect with Kelly Matthews:

• Website
• X
• Substack: The Estuary

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

In this episode, Rebecca and Liz welcome Dallas Theological Seminary President Dr. Mark Yarbrough to discuss maintaining and rekindling a vibrant faith. Drawing from Scripture and personal stories, Dr. Yarbrough explains the various ways our faith can cool, and offers six essential principles for fanning the flame. Dry seasons—even desert seasons—are a normal part of the Christian walk. Even the earliest church fathers spoke of seasons of consolation and desolation. We hope and pray that this conversation provides the spark your weary heart needs.

Resources & Links:

The Rekindled Heart
Story of Scripture
Mark Yarbrough
Dallas Theological Seminary


We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

This week on Honestly, Though, Rebecca and Liz sit down with Christine Crawford for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, soul care, rest, and what it means to follow Jesus as whole human beings—not just floating heads with theology degrees. Christine shares how her work in trauma-informed spiritual formation led her to rethink some of the harmful messages many Christians have absorbed about rest, weakness, emotions, and even our physical bodies. Together, we explore why soul care isn’t self-indulgent—it’s deeply biblical.

Resources Mentioned:

• Christine Crawford’s ministry: The Holy Shift
• The Draw Near series
• Center for Mind-Body Medicine

Connect with Christine:

• TheHolyShift.org
• Instagram
• Facebook

And friends—wherever you are today, may you remember this:

You are allowed to be human.
You are allowed to rest.
And you are deeply loved by God.