What does it really mean to be a Christian—and why does following Jesus often look so different from what you expect?

In this episode, AJ and Delaney share the lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their faith. They discuss topics like; why Christianity is more than following rules, what sin and hell actually mean, why suffering does not disappear when you follow Christ, the importance of mentorship and Christian community, and why doubt can lead to a deeper faith rather than destroy it.

Whether you are new to Christianity, questioning your faith, or have followed Jesus for years, this conversation may challenge some of your assumptions about what the Christian life is supposed to look like.

Subscribe for more honest conversations where faith is examined, not assumed.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction

In this episode, we sit down with Sean McDowell to unpack the growing trend of deconstruction—what it really means, why so many Christians are questioning their faith, and whether this process leads people closer to truth or further away. We explore the role of doubt, the impact of church experiences, and how believers can respond with both clarity and compassion. Whether you’re deconstructing, walking with someone who is, or simply trying to understand it, this conversation challenges assumptions and invites a deeper, more honest pursuit of faith.

Learn more about Sean here: ⁠https://seanmcdowell.org/⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Intro 01:00 Who Is Sean McDowell? 02:00 What Is Deconstruction Really? 05:30 Healthy vs Harmful Deconstruction

10:00 Are More Christians Leaving the Faith? 14:00 Open-Minded Faith vs Losing Truth

19:00 Why People Deconstruct (Root Causes) 26:30 How to Rebuild Your Faith the Right Way

33:00 The Role of Church, Mentorship & Community 40:00 Doubt vs Faith (Big Misconceptions)

49:00 Final Advice

What if strong faith and real mental struggles can exist at the same time? In this episode, we sit down with Trey Tucker—licensed therapist, teacher at McCallie, and founder of Rugged Counseling—to unpack the tension between faith and mental health and what Christians often get wrong.

More on Trey Here: https://www.ruggedcounseling.com/

Trey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruggedcounseling?igsh=bzZ3aTl1bHNteGV3

Tough Enough: Found Here

Chapters:

00:00 Intro – Faith vs Mental Health

In this episode, AJ and Delaney explore some of the most fascinating and often overlooked connections woven throughout Scripture. From Abraham and Isaac to Joseph’s story, the symbolism of thorns, the meaning behind the number seven, and the parallels between Adam and Jesus, they unpack how these moments may point to a deeper, unified message across the Bible. While not all of these are explicit doctrines, each invites us to think more deeply about the design, consistency, and purpose behind Scripture—and to ask whether these connections are coincidence or something more.

00:00 Intro – Hidden Design of Scripture

In this episode AJ and Delaney dive into some of the most controversial Christian theories being discussed today. From ideas that challenge traditional interpretations to questions believers quietly wrestle with, this conversation explores where Scripture ends and speculation begins. With humility, logic, and biblical context, they examine how Christians should approach uncertain doctrines without compromising core truth. Whether you agree, disagree, or feel unsure, this episode invites you to think deeper, hold convictions wisely, and pursue truth with both faith and discernment.

In this episode AJ and Delaney dive into some of the most controversial Christian theories being discussed today. From ideas that challenge traditional interpretations to questions believers quietly wrestle with, this conversation explores where Scripture ends and speculation begins. With humility, logic, and biblical context, they examine how Christians should approach uncertain doctrines without compromising core truth. Whether you agree, disagree, or feel unsure, this episode invites you to think deeper, hold convictions wisely, and pursue truth with both faith and discernment.

In this next episode of Soul Lab, AJ and Delaney sit down with Tony Souder to explore what prayer truly is, why it matters, and how it shapes our relationship with God. Together, they unpack different forms of prayer, address common misunderstandings, and share how prayer brings strength—especially in seasons of suffering. Tony also shares the heart behind his nonprofit, Pray For Me Campaign, and how intentional prayer can create belonging, hope, and lasting impact across generations.

Learn more about the Pray For Me Campaign here:http://Prayformecampaign.com

In this next episode of Soul Lab, AJ and Delaney sit down with Tony Souder to explore what prayer truly is, why it matters, and how it shapes our relationship with God. Together, they unpack different forms of prayer, address common misunderstandings, and share how prayer brings strength—especially in seasons of suffering. Tony also shares the heart behind his nonprofit, Pray For Me Campaign, and how intentional prayer can create belonging, hope, and lasting impact across generations.

Learn more about the Pray For Me Campaign here:http://Prayformecampaign.com

In this episode of Soul Lab, AJ and Delaney sit down with Amber Lia—author, public speaker, and highly successful faith-driven fitness and nutrition coach —to explore what it truly means to honor God through caring for our bodies.

Together, they unpack the biblical foundation for health as stewardship, the logical and scientific connections between physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and practical, grace-filled steps anyone can take to live healthier with purpose. Amber draws from her extensive experience writing, coaching, and speaking to challenge the idea that health is all about appearance or perfection, instead reframing it as gratitude, discipline, and freedom.

From Scripture to science, this conversation invites listeners to see health as an act of worship—and a way to better serve God, others, and the calling placed on their lives.

Follow Ollie Here

Want to learn more about Amber? https://amberlia.com/

Her newest devotional with Ollie, You Are Seen

Ambers: Instagram

Ambers: Facebook

Ambers: X

In this episode of Soul Lab, AJ and Delaney sit down with Amber Lia—author, public speaker, and highly successful faith-driven fitness and nutrition coach —to explore what it truly means to honor God through caring for our bodies.

Together, they unpack the biblical foundation for health as stewardship, the logical and scientific connections between physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and practical, grace-filled steps anyone can take to live healthier with purpose. Amber draws from her extensive experience writing, coaching, and speaking to challenge the idea that health is all about appearance or perfection, instead reframing it as gratitude, discipline, and freedom.

From Scripture to science, this conversation invites listeners to see health as an act of worship—and a way to better serve God, others, and the calling placed on their lives.

Follow Ollie Here

Want to learn more about Amber? https://amberlia.com/

Her newest devotional with Ollie, You Are Seen

Ambers: Instagram

Ambers: Facebook

Ambers: X