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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Angela Deulen, professor of psychology at California Baptist University, and Mary Nauha, certified neuro coach, as they explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and Christian faith.

 Discover how your brain is designed to connect with God, the neurobiology of forgiveness, and why spiritual practices like prayer and meditation literally reshape your brain for healing and wholeness.

 Learn about the "God spot" in your brain, how trauma affects our nervous systems, and practical insights for emotional regulation rooted in both science and Scripture. 

Whether you're struggling with forgiveness, seeking deeper faith, or curious about how science confirms biblical truth, this episode offers hope, healing, and a fresh perspective on God's incredible design.

This dialogue blends scientific insights with theological perspectives, emphasizing the healing power of forgiveness and divine design.

Angela's YouTube short on forgiveness

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6LeixOTwf8U

https://www.angeladeulen.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@DrAngelaDeulen

Mary Nauha's Instagram: Retraining_your_brain

The Bipolar Bear Family

Come On, Come On film

https://youtu.be/RlhENlpi4cE

jan-johnson.com

janjohnson.author.substack.com

The Joy of Waltzing

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What happens when you come to the end of yourself and cry out to God one last time? In this powerful episode, Luba Shalya shares her remarkable journey from underground churches in Soviet Ukraine to a life-changing encounter with God in Portland, Oregon.

Raised under religious control and later battling deep depression after divorce, Luba reached a breaking point that became her breakthrough. On January 31, 2006, she gave God an ultimatum—and experienced a supernatural transformation in just 15-20 seconds that completely changed her mind, heart, and spirit.

Through tears and triumph, Luba shares about breaking generational curses, learning to hear God's voice (even when it means giving $100 to a stranger), and the difference between religious obligation and falling deeply in love with Jesus. Her story will challenge you to move beyond spiritual milk to solid food, to hunger for more of God, and to trust Him through the painful process of transformation.

Whether you're struggling with depression, religious trauma, or simply want to go deeper with God, Luba's testimony reminds us that God sees our hearts and is always waiting for that final roar of desperation that leads to deliverance.

Guest: Luba Shalya - businesswoman, mother of 9, and passionate follower of Jesus whose name literally means "Love"

Connect with Luba:

• Instagram: @lubashalya
• Facebook Messenger: Lyubov Shalia
• Substack @lyubovshalya

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If you are new here, welcome! I’m Jan Johnson, your host. I’m glad you’re joining us and I hope that by the end of this show you feel encouraged and strengthened. 

 Today is December 30, 2025, and as it’s the end of the year and a beginning of a new year, I wanted to start doing one episode a month that is more of a round table discussion on a topic.

So, this episode is the beginning of that.

Joining me today are my daughter Sister Mercy, my husband Ed, and friends Marti and John Darcangelo.

 Our topic is Faith, and bottom line, why we believe.

What leads us to believe in what others might call fairy tales of the Bible?

A talking donkey

A man swallowed by a whale and thrown up alive

People like Isaiah going to heaven who never died.

People like Jesus and Lazarus and some boy dying and rising again

1 Corinthians 1:18, 

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

1 Corinthians 1:23 adds:

"but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles."

There's also 1 Corinthians 2:14, which expands on this idea:

"The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic of Faith.

Why exactly do you believe?

Let me know in the comments.

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In this episode of Just Talking About Jesus, host Jan Johnson meets with Kim Oswalt to hear her heartfelt testimony about discovering faith during her teenage years in Utah. 

Despite her family's irregular church attendance, Kim's journey took off when a move prompted a deeper connection to God through a local church community.

 Her story highlights the value of youth groups and finding mentors who inspire bold, everyday faith. 

Kim shares how God’s presence in her life has been evident through various life upheavals, paving the way for unexpected yet beautiful outcomes.

Do you ever feel like you're fighting a battle no one can see?

Lies like “You’re not enough” or “You’ll never change” don’t just hurt—they shape how we see ourselves, others, and even God.

What thoughts have taken root in your mind that God never planted?

You may like the Battle for Our Minds, and that one is uncovering the lies that we've been told and being able to replace them with the truth of what God says about us in His Word.

https://www.kimoswalt.com/

 

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In this episode of Just Talking About Jesus, author Teresa Abell Haynes shares her lifelong walk with the Lord—from childhood prayers on the school bus to the deep faith that carried her through life’s hardest seasons. Theresa reveals the fascinating research journey behind her novel The Queen’s Priest, a powerful story of integrity and courage inspired by the real-life martyr Thomas Abell, a man who stood for truth against King Henry VIII.

We explore the cost of obedience, what it means to stand for righteousness in the face of pressure, the role of Scripture in shaping conviction, and the importance of spiritual perseverance today. Whether you’re a history lover, a person of faith, or simply someone seeking encouragement, this conversation will strengthen your spirit.

The Queen’s Priest

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In this podcast episode, Virginia Heslinga recounts a life-altering event from her childhood: a devastating house fire that led to loss and trauma. 

Despite this, Virginia's journey is a testament to faith and resilience. 

She reflects on an experience where an angelic presence aided her during the fire and explores how this shaped her belief in God's protective nature. 

Through decades of teaching and mentoring, Virginia gradually learned about trust, healing, and the importance of community, ultimately finding peace and purpose in her faith and service to others.

https://amityfoundation.org/eng/

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Terry Whalen about his transformative faith journey. 

Growing up in the church, Terry initially believed he understood Christianity, but it was during his college years at Indiana University that his perspective shifted significantly. 

After a profound encounter with a fellow student, a visit to a small bookstore, and a commitment to read the Bible, Terry's faith deepened, leading him to join the Wycliffe Bible Translators. 

His experience, including work in Guatemala, reflects a story of spiritual awakening and the impactful power of personal conviction.

https://terrywhalin.com/

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In this podcast episode, David Scott joins host Jan to discuss his remarkable life journey, from his turbulent past in the restaurant industry to finding solace and redemption through faith. 

David reflects on being raised by a nurturing family of strong women who instilled valuable perspectives. 

Despite his past struggles with alcoholism and drug dealing, David found his calling in the culinary world. 

Now sober and rooted in faith, he teaches at a Christian culinary academy, inspiring young chefs. 

David shares his belief that divine guidance saved him from dark paths, emphasizing the transformative power of surrendering to God and letting him take control.

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Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Brenda Savanhu’s journey has spanned continents and cultures. 

She spent her early years between England and Zimbabwe, before moving to the United States at the age of 18.

 From a young age, Brenda was an avid reader, finding comfort and inspiration in the pages of Nancy Drew mysteries and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. 

Brenda’s faith story is one of rediscovery. Though she first encountered Jesus as a teenager, it was in her early thirties—after a season of wandering—that she found herself drawn back into His embrace. 

This profound return to faith became the foundation for her book, Memorial Stones: A Guided Devotional Journal for Foundational Miracles in Your Life. 

Through her writing, Brenda encourages others to reflect on and celebrate the miracles that shape their spiritual journeys. 

Today, Brenda shares her story to inspire hope and faith in others, inviting them to recognize the hand of God in their own lives. 

In this episode, host Jan Johnson engages with Brenda Savannu, delving into the art of documenting life's spiritual journey through metaphoric memorial stones.

Brenda discusses how divine inspiration led her to create a book centered on pivotal moments where God's presence was profoundly felt. 

Drawing from scriptural references, specifically from the Book of Joshua, they explore how these recorded journeys not only serve as personal testimonials of faith but also facilitate community sharing, fostering deeper connections. 

Brenda shares how life events catalyzed her introspection, leading to a renewed faith and a unique way to chart her spiritual journey.

Memorial Stones (Amazon Link)

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Lavaudus Scott's Facebook

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YouTube of Lavaudus' Albums

Link to prior episode with Lavaudus and his wife Liz

In this gripping podcast episode, Lovatta Scott shares his harrowing experience with cannabis that turned a peaceful night into chaos, resulting in a tragic car accident.

 Despite facing potential jail time and losing his job, Lavaudus emerges stronger with the support of his wife and community. 

Through this ordeal, he finds solace in his faith, learning patience and responsibility. He expresses his gratitude for the unwavering love of his wife and the lessons learned from the incident, highlighting the power of resilience, redemption, and a strengthened relationship with God.

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