Genesis 38 interrupts Joseph’s story with a scandal. Or so we’ve been told.


But what if Tamar isn’t a seductress? What if she isn’t a vixen, a manipulator, or a cautionary tale? What if she is the most righteous person in the room? In this episode, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with theologian Chad Bird to take a fresh look at Judah and Tamar.

Tamar refuses to quietly disappear when Judah withholds justice. She refuses to let the covenant line die. And in doing so, she becomes the catalyst for Judah’s transformation—the very man whose tribe would carry the scepter, and whose descendant would be Jesus Himself. This is not a story about scandal. It’s a story about courage. About righteousness. About a woman who would not be erased.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the uncomfortable corners of Scripture, this conversation will remind you: sometimes the women we’ve misunderstood are the very ones moving redemption forward.

Chad Bird is a biblical scholar and theologian who serves with 1517.org, where he writes, teaches, and hosts podcasts focused on the riches of Scripture and the heart of the gospel.

A former professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Chad is known for his Christ-centered approach to the Old Testament and his ability to make complex biblical theology accessible and deeply pastoral. He is the author of several books, including The Christ Key and Unveiling Mercy, and is passionate about helping readers see Jesus woven throughout the entire biblical narrative.

Find out more about 1517.org HERE.
Find Chad online 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].

Experts predict the anti-aging industry will rake in over 80 billion dollars this year, and the industry almost exclusively targets women. Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with author and podcaster Kate Boyd to discuss the motive underneath the movement: WHY is youth so highly prized, and what do women stand to gain if they simply let themselves age? Welcome to ‪@HonestlyThough_ThePodcast‬ , where we have faith conversations for life transformation!

Find Kate Boyd's Substack HERE
Find Kate's blog HERE
Find Kate's website HERE
Find Kate on Instagram at @kateboyd.co

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 of the podcast, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez welcome Sarah Griffith, ThM, to explore how God can use anything to redeem our deepest struggles. Griffith examines the influence of Taylor Swift's music on a culture desperate for honesty and authenticity and asks, "Why are so many drawn to her lyrics?" One word: lament. 

Resources & Links:

Book: "Lament for a Son" by Nicholas Wolterstorff
Connect with Sarah Griffith: https://skgriffith.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

Instagram: @sarahkgriffi
Website: https://skgriffith.com/

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].

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No matter what you’re facing today, remember that God is not distant from your pain. He meets us in our lament, uses all things for good, and loves us beyond measure. Whatever cultural idol or struggle you’re wrestling with, His grace is bigger still. Turn to Him honestly and rest in His sovereignty.

And as always, don’t forget—the ultimate story of redemption is found in Christ. His love invites us into life abundant, even amid suffering. Last words: look to Jesus, trust His love, and walk in freedom and truth.

From Eden to eternity, God’s heart has always been to dwell with His people. In this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding explore the beauty and meaning of the Tabernacle. Far more than a structure, the tent and everything in it present a stunning foreshadowing of Christ. Jesus was always the plan, and every detail of the Tabernacle points to His presence among us. Join us as we uncover the breathtaking unity of Scripture and learn to see the beauty of Christ on every page.

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].

Is the Proverbs 31 woman an impossible ideal—or a gift we’ve misunderstood? On this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez peel back the pressure and expectations surrounding this famous passage and rediscover the beauty of the woman of noble character. It’s an honest, hope-filled conversation that invites women to see Proverbs 31 not as a burden, but as a blessing.

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].

While several branches of Christianity insist on abstaining from alcohol, the biblical authors offer no such prohibitions. Indeed, Jesus changed water to wine, and Isaiah encourages Israel to look forward to the day when they eat the choice meat and drink the best wine at the Lord's table (John 2; Isaiah 25:6). And yet, alcohol can present a tremendous stumbling block for Christians seeking to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Author Ericka Andersen sits down with Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez for a frank discussion on her decision to quit drinking and the freedom she found in the process.

Order Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith HERE.
Connect with Ericka HERE.

LET'S CONNECT!

Honestly, Though is now on YouTube! Like and subscribe HERE to get the video version of our podcasts!


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].

The human heart struggles to rest. Why is contentment elusive? This week on Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with pastor and theologian Rev. Dr. Ryan P. Tinetti to talk about his latest book, The Quiet Ambition. In a culture that prizes hustle, visibility, and spiritual achievement, Ryan invites us to consider a deeply countercultural vision rooted in Paul’s words: “Make it your ambition to live quietly.” Together, we explore how faithfulness in ordinary life—unseen work, small callings, and everyday obedience—can free us from restless striving and anchor us in the grace of Christ. If you’ve ever wondered whether the small things really matter to God, this conversation is for you.

Find Ryan's book HERE. 
Connect with Ryan HERE: https://www.preachingbyheart.com/what-we-do

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 do we do when life feels hollow and unsatisfying—even when everything looks “fine” on the outside? In this episode, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez are joined by author Isaac Serrano for an honest conversation about emptiness, longing, and hope. Drawing from his book When Life Feels Empty, they explore how our ache for more is woven into the human heart and how truth, goodness, and beauty quietly testify to a transcendent God. That emptiness we try so hard to escape may actually be pointing us home.

Find Isaac's book HERE.
Connect with Isaac on Instagram: @isaacserranoiii

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].

For years, Catholics and Protestants have argued about how Christians should approach Mary, the Mother of Christ. A saint to be prayed to? An icon to be worshipped? Or a disciple to emulate? Join Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez as they welcome Dr. Kelley Mathews to discuss the historical Mary and why we should dust her off and examine her role outside of the nativity scene. 

Follow Dr. Mathews on Substack here: https://substack.com/@kelleymathews?r=1w66ug&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

Find Nika's card game here: https://www.nikaspaulding.com 

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].

They are the least known and least read books in the Bible—the Minor Prophets. Also called, "The Book of the Twelve," these twelve prophets spoke the words of God to Israel and Judah. What do we miss when we skip them? Only some of the richest and most beautiful prophecies pointing to our Messiah. This Advent season, join Rebecca Carrell, Liz Rodriguez, and Nika Spaulding as we prepare him room in our busy, over-scheduled lives.

Find Nika's card game here: https://www.nikaspaulding.com 

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].