Jillian DeBritz is a personal development coach, and self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist who longs to offer hope and build courage through the words she writes. Jillian believes in the power of sharing our stories, of bravely inviting others into our in-process places and allowing ourselves to be truly known. And she is a woman who does just that by fighting to disarm shame through vulnerably sharing her own journey toward emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual wholeness. In this episode, she discusses healthy mindsets towards New Year's resolutions.

 We love connecting you with resources, so we pulled some of our faves based on this podcast episode. We hope they encourage, inspire and challenge you.  Enjoy!

Connect with Jillian on her website.

Let’s be friends! Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

And make sure to subscribe to the Collide Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts so you can listen in each week!

Partner with Us to Impact Lives!

If you love this podcast and the work Collide is doing to impact lives, would you consider partnering with us? We rely entirely on the generous support of donors to fuel the life-changing work we do to create spaces for women to collide with Jesus in the midst of their brokenness. And you can be a part of that work! Your generous donations help us send women to counseling who couldn’t otherwise afford it, help us to create content to bring hope to the hurting, and to create spaces for women to connect in community.

Will you join our efforts to bring hope and healing to hurting women by giving a financial gift? Simply visit our website for more information about giving.

In this episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Kurt Ingram to unpack what it means to experience true peace, even in the midst of brokenness. Drawing on the profound truth that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Pastor Kurt guides us through a conversation about shalom—the deep, holistic peace that God offers—and how we can embrace it in our lives.

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the peace that only God can provide. Whether you’re struggling with inner conflict, relational tension, or simply longing for restoration, Pastor Kurt’s insights will leave you encouraged and inspired.

Episode Highlights:

• How Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, embodies true restoration.

• The biblical concept of shalom and how it speaks to wholeness in every aspect of life.

• Navigating personal brokenness and finding paths to healing.

• Steps to take when we’re at war within ourselves or with others.

• Practical ways to pursue peace in strained family relationships.

Partner with Us to Impact Lives!

If you love this podcast and the work Collide is doing to impact lives, would you consider partnering with us? 

Your generous donations help us provide counseling, create content, and build spaces for women to connect. Will you join our efforts to bring hope and healing to hurting women by giving a financial gift? Visit our website for more information about giving.

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Collide to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Pastor Taylor Simpson, Lead Pastor of New Song Church in Bellingham, WA. Taylor shares his passion for building a praying church and leading with authenticity. Together, we explore how to experience Immanuel—God with us—not just during the Christmas season but 365 days a year. Taylor challenges the idea of keeping Christmas as a nostalgic, one-time celebration and instead invites us to step into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Christ throughout every season of life.

As a husband, father, and Jesus follower, Taylor offers practical insights on how to invite Christ into your daily life with honesty and intention. Whether you're navigating family life, pursuing your faith, or longing for a more prayerful connection with God, this conversation will leave you inspired to live out the message of Immanuel every day.

What We Discuss:

• Taylor’s journey as a pastor, husband, and dad, and how his life shapes his ministry.
• How nostalgia around Christmas can limit our faith journey.
• Practical ways to engage with the presence of Christ year-round.
• Building a life of prayer and authenticity in a busy, modern world.
• Taylor’s insights on vulnerability and why it’s vital in cultivating a deep relationship with God.

Connect with Pastor Taylor @ nscbellingham.com

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Partner with Us to Impact Lives!

If you love this podcast and the work Collide is doing to impact lives, would you consider partnering with us? 

Your generous donations help us provide counseling, create content, and build spaces for women to connect. Will you join our efforts to bring hope and healing to hurting women by giving a financial gift? Visit our website for more information about giving.

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Collide to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

This week, we’re joined by Ruth Chou Simons, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of GraceLaced. Ruth’s story is a testament to the beauty of following God’s unexpected plans and living with faithfulness over striving. Be encouraged to trust the Author of your story and find His grace in every season.

In the midst of the holiday hustle, Ruth shares how God unfolded a thriving ministry in her life, not through striving for success but through daily faithfulness. Our conversation dives into themes of being God’s workmanship, choosing faithfulness over success, and embracing His grace in every season. Ruth’s heartfelt insights and stories will encourage you to slow down, reflect, and anchor your heart in what truly matters during the busyness of life.

Episode Highlights:

1. Faithfulness Over Success: The power of daily obedience and surrender in a world obsessed with achievement.

2. Balancing Life and Ministry: How Ruth and her husband Troy prioritize grace in their marriage and family life with six boys.

3. Creating Amidst Chaos: Finding beauty and purpose in the messiness of everyday life.

4. Holiday Encouragement: A reminder to pause and embrace God’s grace during the busiest time of the year.

Connect with Ruth:

• Website: gracelaced.com

• Instagram: instagram.com/ruthchousimons

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Collide to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

In this insightful episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Bethany Allen, the Pastor of Spiritual Formation & Leadership Development at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. Bethany shares her journey from the South to the Pacific Northwest, where she discovered her calling to guide others in becoming true image-bearers of God.

Bethany dives into the heart of spiritual formation, sharing how scripture, community, and leadership intersect in her ministry. She unpacks the challenges many people face in their spiritual journey and offers wisdom on how to navigate them. From counseling and curriculum development to fostering a deeper understanding of God’s design for His people, Bethany provides practical insights for anyone seeking to grow in their faith.

Tune in as we explore the importance of being shaped by God, the role of community in spiritual growth, and what the future holds for spiritual formation and leadership at Bridgetown Church.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What it means to be an "image-bearer of God" and how this concept shapes her ministry.
• How living in Portland has influenced her perspective on ministry and cultural engagement.
• The integration of scripture into counseling, curriculum development, and leadership training.
• The vital role community plays in personal and collective spiritual growth.

Connect with Bethany:

• Learn more about Bridgetown Church: Bridgetown Church Website
• Follow Bridgetown Church on social media: Instagram | Facebook

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Collide to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

🎫 Get tickets to our upcoming Collide Conference in Portland, OR!

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

In this deeply moving episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Christine Stone, a longtime friend of Collide and a pivotal figure in its story. Christine was part of the original “Wounded Collision Bible Study,” a gathering of college women that ignited the vision for the Collide ministry. She shares her powerful journey of colliding with Jesus in the midst of unimaginable pain and tragedy, how He transformed her life, and how her story has inspired and brought healing to others.

From heartbreak to hope, Christine opens up about the challenges she faced after a life-altering accident, the surprising way God redeemed her pain, and the unexpected role she played in launching the Collide Counseling Program. Her story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God can use our wounds to bring light and healing to others.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Christine’s experience as part of the original Collide Bible study and how it shaped her faith.
• How tragedy struck her life and how she experienced her own “wounded collision.”
• What her relationship with God looked like during her most painful moments.
• The incredible story of how God used her pain and an insurance settlement to help others through the creation of the Collide Counseling Program.
• How Christine has seen God redeem her story and bring purpose to her pain.
• What keeps her choosing to collide with Jesus, even in the face of fear and doubt.

About Christine: Christine Stone is a wife, mother of three, and a beloved friend of Collide. As one of the women in the original Collide Bible study, she played a key role in the ministry’s beginnings. Her inspiring journey of healing and redemption has impacted countless lives, showing how Jesus can meet us in our mess and transform our stories for His glory.

Join Us: Christine’s testimony is a beautiful reminder that God can bring beauty from ashes and hope from heartbreak. Whether you’re navigating your own pain or looking for encouragement, this episode is sure to inspire you to trust God’s redemptive power.

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about the Collide Counseling Program
• Explore other stories of healing and transformation: The Collide Podcast
• Connect with us on social media: Instagram, Facebook

Subscribe & Review: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the Collide Podcast on your favorite platform, and if this conversation encouraged you, we’d love for you to leave a review.

Christine’s story will touch your heart and remind you of the incredible ways God can use us, even in our brokenness. Tune in and be inspired!

In this powerful episode of The Collide Podcast, we are honored to sit down with Melissa Olsen, author of the memoir Broken Girl Fly. Melissa’s story is both heart-wrenching and hope-filled, as she fearlessly shares her journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse. With a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and faith, Melissa opens up about the courage it took to confront her past and step into the light with her story.

Growing up in a world overshadowed by trauma, Melissa remained silent about her experiences for years. In this episode, she explains why she ultimately felt called to share her story, the challenges she faced in bringing it to the surface, and the reactions from those around her. We explore the consequences of hiding pain, the power of vulnerability, and how Jesus has met her in her darkest moments, guiding her toward healing.

Together, we discuss:

• The struggle of deciding to bring her painful past into the open

• What happens when we keep secrets hidden and the healing power of exposing them to the light

• How Melissa has experienced the presence of Jesus on her healing journey

• The transformative impact of sharing her story on others facing similar struggles

• Practical and compassionate advice for those still carrying the weight of traumatic experiences

Melissa’s honesty offers a beacon of hope for those wrestling with past hurts, reminding us that while the road to healing is not easy, it is possible. Her journey encourages us to believe that there is light on the other side of darkness and that Jesus walks alongside us, even in our hardest battles. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that brings the difficult subject of childhood trauma into the light, showing how vulnerability can open the door to healing and freedom.

Tune in, listen, and be reminded that you are not alone in your story.

Follow Willow:

• Website | Instagram | Facebook

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Us to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

In this episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Jillian DeBritz, a certified life and leadership coach, writer, speaker, and recovering perfectionist. Jillian is passionate about helping women quiet shame and live more gently as they pursue their unique, God-given purpose. As a former educator who knows firsthand the cost of pushing beyond her limits, she shares her journey and wisdom on how to practice self-compassion and gentleness in a world that often encourages the opposite.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Self-Compassion: Gentleness starts with self-compassion, allowing us to break free from being overly hard on ourselves and quiet the voice of shame.
• Challenging Shame: Shame often drives us to be self-critical, but Jillian shares ways to challenge this mindset by focusing on God’s gentle heart toward us.
• The Power of Attention: Paying attention to ourselves is key to growth and healing, helping us become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and needs.
• Asking Good Questions: Jillian emphasizes asking ourselves thoughtful questions to foster awareness, reflection, and a more compassionate inner dialogue.
• Learning from Jesus: We can look to Jesus’ example of compassion and learn to practice that same gentleness toward ourselves.

Ad Mention:

• Website: Collide Store
• Partner with Us: Collide Giving
• Upcoming Events: Collide Conferences for Women
• A 20 Day Walk Toward Gratitude

Connect with Jillian:

• Website: jilliandebritz.com
• Instagram: @jilliandebritz

Follow Willow:

• Website | Instagram | Facebook 📲 Stay connected with Collide: Facebook | Instagram 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for all things Collide!

In this moving episode, we sit down with Mattie Jackson, an author, speaker, podcaster, and co-founder of NaSHEville, a philanthropic organization supporting orphans, widows, and victims of human trafficking. After experiencing the tragic loss of her husband just three weeks shy of their first wedding anniversary, Mattie has transformed her pain into a message of hope and resilience. Through her books Lemons on Friday and Through the Valley of Grief, as well as her podcast In Joy Life, she offers a heartfelt guide for navigating grief with trust and joy in God.

What We Covered:

• Choosing Joy in the Midst of Grief: We discuss how Mattie’s podcast, In Joy Life, inspires listeners to choose joy despite challenging circumstances and the power of embracing both joy and sorrow simultaneously.
• The Importance of Community: Mattie emphasizes the significance of connecting with a supportive community, including Christian friends and widow mentors, and how these relationships helped her avoid isolation in her early years of grieving.
• Spiritual Practices in Suffering: Mattie talks about the spiritual practices that sustained her, such as wailing, worship, connecting, and hoping. She explains how these practices shaped her healing journey and offers advice for those struggling to find hope in their grief.
• Being Rooted in Defiant Hope: In the face of loss, Mattie discusses how she chose to be rooted in hope, even when her circumstances seemed hopeless. She shares practical ways to combat fear, anxiety, and spiritual attacks during difficult seasons.

Resources Mentioned:

• Mattie’s Books: Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak and Through the Valley of Grief: A 365-Day Devotional of Spiritual Practices for Hope in Suffering
• Mattie’s Podcast: In Joy Life Podcast
• Website: mattiejackson.net

Follow Willow on her Website, Instagram or Facebook

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Us to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

In this special 10th Anniversary episode of The Collide Podcast, we celebrate a decade of impact by sitting down with three dedicated Collide volunteers Beth Henry, Kelli Hawkinson, and Michelle Holladay, who have collectively served for 25 years. These incredible team members share their personal stories of why they choose to serve, what fuels their commitment, and the unique blessings they've received along the way. They open up about the joys and challenges of volunteering, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart of service and the transformational power of showing up for others.

Together, we explore why service is worth the sacrifice and how volunteering has deepened their faith, built meaningful connections, and led to a sense of purpose that goes beyond themselves. As we celebrate Collide's milestone birthday, these volunteers' reflections remind us that true impact happens when people come together with a shared heart for loving and serving others.

Join us for this inspiring conversation and be encouraged to consider how you too can make a difference through a heart of service. Happy birthday, Collide! 🎉

Key Takeaways:

• Why these volunteers choose to serve at Collide and what keeps them coming back.
• How serving others has grown their faith and shaped their lives in unexpected ways.
• The sacrifices and rewards of volunteering, and why it’s worth saying "yes."
• The impact of a collective heart for service and the legacy of Collide’s community.

Follow Willow on her Website, Instagram or Facebook

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Us to Impact Lives! Visit our website for more information about giving.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Happy 10th birthday, Collide! 🎂