Rooted and Real : Raw Discussions

What do you do when you believe in God, but part of you is still struggling to trust Him?

In this one-off episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, A.J. Riley takes a simple, honest look at Mark 9:14–29 and one of the most relatable prayers in Scripture:

“I believe; help my unbelief.”

This isn’t a theologian’s breakdown or a polished sermon. It’s a layman opening the Bible and wrestling with faith, doubt, unanswered prayers, disappointment, and what it means to bring our questions to Jesus instead of hiding them.

Because maybe faith isn’t pretending we never doubt. Maybe faith is knowing where to take the doubt when it shows up.

🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions
Hosted by A.J. Riley

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

Getting clean is one thing. Learning how to live differently afterward is another.

In Episode 2 of The Space Between, A.J. Riley talks honestly about the reality of recovery—the triggers that don’t simply disappear, the fear of slipping backward, rebuilding trust, and the deeper question that comes when addiction is no longer defining your life:

Who am I without it?

This episode is about more than staying away from the thing that once controlled you. It’s about finding a new identity, learning how to face life without escaping it, and understanding that recovery isn’t about becoming perfect—it’s about becoming present, honest, and willing to keep moving forward.

And ultimately, it’s about surrendering more than the addiction. It’s about surrendering the fight, the shame, the past, and the need to control everything—and trusting God with what comes next.

Recovery is hard. Recovery is real. And recovery is possible.

🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions
Hosted by A.J. Riley

Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

The Space Between — Episode 1: “I Can Stop Whenever I Want”

Addiction rarely starts with someone believing they’re losing control. It starts with relief, escape, comfort—and the belief that stopping will always be easy.

In Episode 1 of The Space Between, A.J. Riley takes a raw look at the lies addiction tells us, the shame and secrecy that keep people trapped, and the moment when “I can stop whenever I want” becomes something much harder to believe.

This episode isn’t about condemnation. It’s about honesty—recognizing when something has begun controlling us, admitting when our own strength isn’t enough, and understanding that surrendering to God isn’t weakness. It may be the first real step toward freedom.

Because sometimes recovery doesn’t begin when everything falls apart.

Sometimes it begins with three simple words:

“I need help.”

🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions
Hosted by A.J. Riley

Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

Episode 3 – Can Things Really Get Better?

What happens when life doesn’t turn out the way we hoped? When something breaks, a door closes, we fail, or we find ourselves wondering if things will ever actually get better?

In the final episode of Hope for a Hurting World, we talk about the difference between optimism and real hope. Through the resurrection of Jesus and the restoration of Peter, we look at why failure doesn’t have to define us, brokenness doesn’t mean finished, and even our darkest chapters don’t have to be our last.

This is a conversation about redemption, second chances, new beginnings, and trusting that God can still be working—even when we can’t see what comes next.

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Email the show [email protected]

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show Themes "Backroads Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" composed and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

We’re more connected than ever, yet so many of us still feel alone.

In Episode 2 of Hope for a Hurting World, we have an honest conversation about loneliness, friendship, isolation, and our need to truly belong. We look at why being surrounded by people doesn’t always mean we feel known, why real community can be difficult to build, and how Jesus shows us that we were never meant to walk through life alone.

Whether you’re going through a lonely season yourself or know someone who is, this episode is a reminder that connection often begins with one simple step—and sometimes, one honest conversation.

🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions
Available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show Themes "Backroads Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" composed and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

Anxiety has become part of everyday life. From endless notifications and busy schedules to uncertainty about the future, it can feel like we're carrying more than we were ever meant to.

In the first episode of our new series, Hope for a Hurting World, we take an honest look at why anxiety has become so common and what Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25–34 mean for us today. This isn't a conversation about pretending life is easy—it's about discovering a peace that isn't dependent on perfect circumstances.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or weighed down by worry, this episode is for you.

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more from Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions.

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show Themes "Backroads Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" composed and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

What do you do after you've failed?

Peter knew what it was like to make bold promises... and then fall short. After denying Jesus three times, he was left carrying the weight of regret, wondering if his failure had written the final chapter of his story.

But on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus didn't meet Peter with condemnation. He met him with breakfast.

In this final episode of our Pull Up a Chair series, we explore one of the most powerful moments in Scripture—a story of grace, restoration, and purpose. It's a reminder that our worst moments don't have to define us, and that Jesus is still inviting broken people to sit at His table.

If you've ever felt like you've gone too far, failed too badly, or wondered if God could still use you, this conversation is for you.

Pull up a chair. There's still a place for you.

🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions with AJ Riley is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

📱 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for episode updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

🎵 Show themes: Backroads Revival Revived and Rooted in the Dark — created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

In this episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, AJ explores a story that isn't just about a son who wandered away. It's about a Father whose love never stopped pursuing him, a brother whose heart was farther from home than he realized, and a grace that changes everything.

Whether you're carrying regret, struggling to forgive yourself, or wondering if you've gone too far, this conversation is a reminder that your mistakes do not define your identity.

You are more than your past. More than your failures. More than your worst day.

Because God's grace has the final word.

Join us as we pull up a chair and discover what it truly means to come home.

📖 Luke 15:11–32
🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions with AJ Riley

🌱 Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

📱 Find us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok
📧 Email the show at [email protected]

🎵 Show themes "Rooted Revival Revived" and "Rooted in the Dark" created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

🪑 Pull Up a Chair: A Seat for the Outcast

Everybody knows Zacchaeus as the guy who climbed a tree. But what if his story is really about something we all long for—to be seen?

In this episode, AJ explores the story of Zacchaeus and the moment Jesus stopped for the person everyone else ignored. Together we'll talk about labels, belonging, grace, and what happens when Jesus sees more in us than our mistakes.

If you've ever felt overlooked, judged, or like you don't quite fit in, pull up a chair. This conversation is for you.

📖 Luke 19:1-10
🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions with AJ Riley

🌱 Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

📱 Find us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok
📧 Email the show at [email protected]

🎵 Show themes "Backroads Revival Revived" and "Rooted in the Dark" created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

What happens when faith fails?

In the final episode of our Built Different series, join host AJ Riley as we explore the life of Peter—a man who left everything to follow Jesus, boldly stepped out in faith, publicly failed when it mattered most, and ultimately became one of the most influential leaders of the early church.

From the shores of Galilee to the courtyard of denial and finally to the shoreline of restoration, Peter's story is a powerful reminder that our failures do not have to define our future.

This episode dives into:

• faith and doubt

• courage and fear

• failure and regret

• grace and restoration

• and the truth that God is not finished with us when we fall

Because sometimes the most powerful testimony isn't that you never failed—it's that God met you there and helped you keep going.

🎙️ Built Different Series
Episode 5: Peter — Faith That Fails Can Still Finish

Stay Rooted. Stay Real.

Show Themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by AJ Riley.