Unpack the tangled realities of toxic relationships with this raw, thoughtful conversation between Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson. They challenge the casual use of “toxic,” sharing real stories of emotional sabotage, relentless criticism, and the silent damage that wears on your spirit and mental health. Pastor Mike and Amber go beyond buzzwords to explore how to recognize when a relationship crosses from difficult to damaging, the biblical basis for setting firm boundaries, and the courage it takes to step away—even when it feels like betrayal. 

We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. 

Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

True value isn't about feelings or what others say about us but about the unique gifts God has given each of us. Amber and Pastor Mike share their personal struggles with self-esteem and confidence. They give practical advice on finding confidence through honest friendships and trusting in God's love, offering hope to anyone feeling uncertain about themselves. 

We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. 

Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

When you stood at the altar and took your vows, neither one of you envisioned now being in what Pastor Mike calls a "C- marriage." So . . . how do couples end up there? And if you are there, how do you get out of this rut? Pastor Mike and Amber aren't afraid to dig into the issues that can cause marriages to get stuck.

We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. 

Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. 

Pastor Mike and Amber tackle the sometimes uncomfortable dynamics between Christians and non-Christians. They discuss the balance of engaging with the world while remaining true to your faith. Through personal stories (Who were some of Amber's favorit 90s bands? Why did Pastor Mike smash his CD collection?) and biblical insights, they discuss the importance of being in the world and not of it, understanding how influences shape beliefs, and fostering authentic relationships without judgment. The conversation encourages you to be present in the world, embodying Christ's love and truth, while grappling with the complexities of faith in everyday life.

Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

Today you'll get a chance to meet Christine Doebler. She and her husband, Pastor Matt Doebler, are missionaries in Australia. She'll talk about the journey that took their family from Texas to Hong Kong to Thailand—and now to Australia. We'll talk about clinging to what matters and walking alongside people whatever season they are in.

Amber talked about the series she did on marriage. You can view those episodes on this podcast feed by scrolling to early 2024 for the Marriage 101 series.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.

Today you'll hear an interview with Marilyn Sievert, a Bible studier, prayer warrior, and mentor to many. If you're looking to fall more in love with the Word or to pray more boldly, look no further.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.

Pastor Jeremy Mattek joins Amber to share his insights on leadership and faith. With over 20 years of pastoral experience, Pastor Jeremy dives into navigating the complexities of family and church leadership. Discover how to foster a supportive environment, build up those around you, and ensure the dynamics of respect and encouragement thrive in your relationships. Whether you’re a leader seeking guidance or someone wanting to enhance your understanding of Christian roles, this conversation will help you grow in your journey of faith.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.

Liz Schroeder shares the struggle that brought about a dramatic life change in 2021. Amber and Liz talk shame, accountability, and moving out of the brokenness in order to rescue others.

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.

Bridget Weber talks about her trip to the red-light district in India where she serves women who are caught in human trafficking as sex slaves.

To find out more about how you can help with Bridget's work, email her at [email protected].

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.

The final part of this four-part series will remind us that a good wife is a good neighbor. But what does that mean, and what does that look like in practical terms?

Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.