What does it really look like to experience God—not just in the big, dramatic moments, but in the quiet faithfulness of everyday life? In this conversation, we sit down with author and professor Heather Thompson Day to explore how obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense, opens the door to seeing God at work. Heather shares personal stories of surrender, waiting, disappointment, and unexpected confirmation—moments where God met her not on the mountaintop, but in ordinary faithfulness.

Together, they talk about living in God’s upside-down kingdom, learning to trust Him when it’s “not your turn,” and why faithfulness matters more than visibility or applause. Heather also unpacks what it means to lead with lived experience, to walk closely with God day by day, and to stay obedient even when fruit isn’t immediately visible. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone longing to recognize God’s presence in the here and now—and to trust that He is faithfully at work, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.

Author, speaker, and apologist Alisa Childers joins us for a thoughtful and timely conversation about faith, discernment, and what it means to truly experience God in a confusing cultural moment. Alisa shares her personal story of nearly losing her faith through a season of deconstruction—and how God faithfully led her to solid answers, deeper trust, and a renewed calling to help the Church navigate truth with clarity and compassion.

Alisa explores why discernment feels harder than ever, the rise of deconstruction and progressive Christianity, and how believers can develop deep spiritual roots that withstand doubt, suffering, and cultural pressure. Alisa also reflects on calling, humility, and the everyday faithfulness of following Jesus wherever God places us.

When hurting people walk into church, what happens next? We connect with Shaunti Feldhahn about her newest book, When Hurting People Come to Church, and the urgent opportunity facing the Church in the midst of today’s mental health crisis. Drawing from research with more than 2,000 pastors, counselors, and church leaders, Shaunti shares what she’s learned about the growing levels of anxiety, trauma, grief, and relational pain—and why so many people don’t know where to turn for help.

Together, they explore a hopeful and deeply biblical vision for how the body of Christ can respond—not by replacing counselors or overloading pastors, but by equipping everyday believers to listen, care, and walk alongside one another. From practical stories of churches stepping into this space to encouragement for anyone who feels unqualified but willing, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how the church can be a place of real healing—or how God might want to use you—this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible when the Church truly becomes a place of care.

Richard Blackaby grew up in an “ordinary” home where his parents talked about God as if He was truly real—and where prayer wasn’t a religious habit, but an ongoing relationship. In this conversation, the son of Dr. Henry Blackaby shares what it looked like to live with an expectancy that God is active and speaking, and why so many of us struggle to discern His voice—not because God is silent, but because we haven’t learned to recognize Him. Along the way, Richard offers a simple but challenging reframe: we often describe our problems in terms of our limitations, when God invites us to see our circumstances through the bigger reality of who He is and what He can do.

In this practical and deeply encouraging conversation, learn what it means to face a “crisis of belief,” why following Jesus often requires getting out of the boat, and how God’s invitations are frequently found in everyday places—neighbors, conversations, ordinary faithfulness. And, hear the surprising story of how Experiencing God nearly never became a book. If you’re a believer who wants to walk with God more attentively, this conversation will help you lift your eyes, get your heart ready, and take the next faithful step.

In this encore of our first ever podcast episode, Susie Larson shares personal stories and practical encouragement from her Advent devotional Prepare Him Room, including how intentional practices like fasting can reorient our hearts during Advent, the importance of stewarding our perspective in a noisy culture, and how seasons of suffering and health challenges have shaped her understanding of what it means to truly prepare room for Jesus. With honesty, humor (including a memorable Christmas tree mishap), and hope, Susie offers a final word of encouragement for anyone longing to experience the deeper joy of Christmas—not by doing more, but by making room for the One who comes to meet us.

In this encore of our first ever podcast episode, Susie Larson shares personal stories and practical encouragement from her Advent devotional Prepare Him Room, including how intentional practices like fasting can reorient our hearts during Advent, the importance of stewarding our perspective in a noisy culture, and how seasons of suffering and health challenges have shaped her understanding of what it means to truly prepare room for Jesus. With honesty, humor (including a memorable Christmas tree mishap), and hope, Susie offers a final word of encouragement for anyone longing to experience the deeper joy of Christmas—not by doing more, but by making room for the One who comes to meet us.

In this encore of our first ever podcast episode, Susie Larson shares personal stories and practical encouragement from her Advent devotional Prepare Him Room, including how intentional practices like fasting can reorient our hearts during Advent, the importance of stewarding our perspective in a noisy culture, and how seasons of suffering and health challenges have shaped her understanding of what it means to truly prepare room for Jesus. With honesty, humor (including a memorable Christmas tree mishap), and hope, Susie offers a final word of encouragement for anyone longing to experience the deeper joy of Christmas—not by doing more, but by making room for the One who comes to meet us.

Stacey Thacker joins us to talk about her new book, Everyday Prayers for Christmas. Through simple, scripture-based prayers, Stacey invites readers and listeners alike to pause, reflect, and connect with God’s presence during a season that can feel both joyful and overwhelming.

Stacey also explores the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the birth of Jesus, and the profound way waiting and faith intersect with prayer. Listeners will discover practical ways to pray with intention, let go of perfection, and experience the light and hope of Jesus in their own lives. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, guidance, or just a fresh perspective on the season, this conversation offers inspiration to bring prayer and reflection into your Christmas in a meaningful, everyday way.

Popular author Donna VanLiere joins us to share the heart behind her latest book, Looking for Christmas: A Search for the Joy and Hope of the Nativity. Donna brings her signature storytelling warmth as she reflects on how the original Christmas story still breaks into the ordinary moments of our lives, inviting us to look up and notice the hope God is offering right in front of us.

Through personal stories, rich insights, and a deep love for Scripture, Donna helps us rediscover the wonder of a God who comes close—especially in seasons that feel dark or overwhelming. If you need a fresh reminder of joy, or you’re longing to see Christmas with new eyes this year, this conversation will help you pause, breathe, and look for the Savior who still shows up.

Steven Curtis Chapman joins us for a rich, heartfelt walk through the stories behind The Music of Christmas—an album celebrating its 30th anniversary. Steven Curtis reflects on the impact of Show Hope’s 23-year journey, the miracle of watching nearly 10,000 children welcomed into families, and the deep reasons adoption remains central to his calling today. 

The conversation also dives into the creation of his landmark Christmas record, from orchestras and choirs to family memories and the desire to make music that carried both nostalgia and the wonder of God stepping into our world. 

But the heart of this conversation goes beyond music as Steven Curtis shares the layers of the Christmas story that have become more profound with time—especially after walking through deep grief—and the hope that continues to anchor him: that God truly is with us!