Life rarely turns out the way we envision. The twists and turns of the journey create excitement, but can also leave us feeling disoriented and lost at times. In this episode, Rachel Mattila-Amberson joins us to talk about the ways her dreams for her life have changed throughout the journey. Rachel has been pursuing acting her entire life, and loves her craft, whether on the stage or behind the camera. Rachel is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA. Listen in as we talk motherhood, career, and the surprises life throws at us.

Justin McRoberts has spent twenty-plus years as an artist, church planter, pastor, singer-songwriter, author (he has written books including “May It Be So” and “It is What You Make of It”), and father, passing on lessons and practices learned about making something good from what you’ve been given rather than simply accepting things as they are. With warmth, wisdom, and humor, Justin shares insightful lessons in this episode that you won’t want to miss. Learn more about Justin and his books at http://justinmcroberts.com/

Laurie Short is a speaker, author, preacher, wife and stepmom. She has spoken to over 500,000 people at conferences, colleges, and churches, and her popular teaching videos on RightNow Media have been viewed by over a quarter million people all over the world. Laurie is the author of multiple books including “Grace-Filled Step Parenting: Help and Hope for this Unique and Loving Role” and “When Changing Nothing Changes Everything.” She has also authored fourteen books for youth and youth workers. In this episode, Laurie inspires listeners with a message of holding onto hope.

What if you don't have to stop feeling anxious to become the courageous woman God has called you to be?

Kristen Mattila Dempsey has lived with anxiety and OCD for much of her life. As a child, she often carried fears and obsessive thoughts that she didn't know how to share, and she learned to hide the struggle because she was embarrassed by it. Years later, after experiencing a season of freedom from anxiety, those struggles returned during a major life transition—and Kristen found herself facing an important question: Can I still be a warrior if I'm still worried?

In this honest conversation, Kristen shares how God invited her to stop hiding her anxiety and begin sharing her story so that her struggle could help others. She talks about the freedom she has found in accepting that anxiety may be an ongoing battle, rather than spending all of her energy trying to make it disappear.

Kristen and Willow also talk about the "warrior in the worry"—the idea that courage isn't the absence of fear, but choosing to show up and keep fighting in the midst of it. They explore how counseling, Scripture, prayer, community, movement, breathing, laughter, and other practical tools can help us navigate anxiety without shame.

If you've ever felt embarrassed by your anxiety, wondered why you can't simply "get over it," or believed that asking for professional help means you're weak, this conversation will remind you that God is not annoyed by your struggle. He meets you in it with compassion—and you can be both anxious and courageous at the same time.

Kristen Mattila Dempsey was part of the Collide staff for several years and is known affectionately by Willow as the "Unicorn Whisperer." She is passionate about Jesus, people, friendship, fun, and helping others experience the transforming work of God.

Kristen has also been open about her own experience with anxiety and OCD, sharing her story to encourage others who may feel alone or ashamed in their struggles. In this conversation, she offers an honest and hopeful perspective on what it means to pursue healing while accepting that anxiety may still be part of the battle—and how God can meet us with peace and grace in the middle of it.

• When anxiety makes you feel weak or broken: Learn why you can be a warrior even while you're still afraid.
• When you're embarrassed by your anxiety or OCD: Discover the freedom that can come from bringing your struggle into the light instead of hiding it.
• When you're frustrated that anxiety keeps coming back: Learn to shift your energy from trying to "beat" anxiety to building tools that help you respond when it appears.
• When you're hesitant to seek counseling: Be encouraged to see asking for help as a brave and courageous step toward healing.
• When anxious thoughts start taking over: Discover practical tools—from prayer and Scripture to breathing, movement, laughter, and supportive community—that can help you find peace.

You don't have to wait until your anxiety disappears to call yourself courageous. You can show up as a warrior in the worry, trusting that Jesus meets you with compassion and gives you what you need for the battle in front of you.

A 5-Week Guide to Help Manage Your Anxiety

The Birds & The Lilies: A Bible Study for Anxiety

Books mentioned: Burnout

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Rebecca Roeter is the owner of Pivot Point Health. She is a life changing health coach walking alongside individuals as they say yes to health and wholeness in their lives. She has a certificate in Transformational Nutrition and is a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach through the National Board of Medical Examiners. Because of her own health struggles, Rebecca has become even more passionate about healthy lifestyles, nutrition, movement, sleep, and purpose. In this episode, we talked to Rebecca about spiritual and physical health and how we can love our bodies well.

Adoption stories often include experiences of hope, longing, transition, communication, and intense love. And this story is no exception. Mike and Lisa are an amazing couple who kindly chose to share with us on the podcast their story of adopting their son, with all of the twists and turns along the way, and they graciously pulled back the curtain on their emotional process along the way. This conversation tells an inspirational story of what it means to make a family.

Christina Archer is is the incredible founder and owner of NW SilverStars, which is the longest standing all-star gym in WA state. She has won Coach of the Year 3 times, as well as program of the year, but most importantly, her gym impacts young women in incredible ways. She is an inspiring, strong, wise leader who said “yes” to God’s call on her life to shape and guide the next generation of women and in this episode, we get to hear her wisdom on how she’s doing just that.

What does it look like to live a life of purpose, even when the path is wildly unexpected?

In this inspiring episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Liz Bohannon to talk about finding purpose, pursuing passion, and making a meaningful impact in the world. Liz shares her unlikely journey from journalist to founder of an ethical fashion brand, offering insights on social justice, creative leadership, risk-taking, and empowering women. Whether you’re dreaming big, navigating uncertainty, or trying to figure out how to live a life that matters, this episode will remind you that your impact doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Liz is the founder of Sseko Designs, an ethical fashion brand that provides employment and educational opportunities for women in East Africa. Her work in social enterprise has been featured on Shark Tank, Bloomberg Business, and Ingram’s 30 Under 30. Liz is passionate about gender equity, creative leadership, and using business as a force for good. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when you choose courage over comfort.

• How to turn an unexpected path into a purposeful mission
• How Beginner’s Pluck™ can help you reframe failure, spark curiosity, and rediscover your sense of purpose
• What it takes to lead with creativity and conviction
• Why making mistakes might just be part of your calling

If you’ve ever felt like your story is too messy, too average, or too uncertain to matter, this episode will reignite your belief that God can use your exact path for powerful good. You’ll be reminded that purpose isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up with courage, creativity, and heart.

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How do you begin to heal when your story has been marked by betrayal?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Kristyn, a licensed mental health therapist who specializes in trauma and walks closely with women navigating heartbreak, betrayal, and restoration. Kristyn shares her own powerful story, offering insight, compassion, and wisdom for anyone who finds themselves in the aftermath of relational pain. Whether you’re trying to decide whether to stay or go, or simply searching for a way forward, this conversation offers a safe and grace-filled space to begin the journey toward healing. You’ll be reminded that even in the deepest pain, Jesus shows up—often in the most unexpected ways.

Kristyn is a licensed mental health therapist with a focus on trauma work in children, teens, and women. She also facilitates DivorceCare at a local church in Bellingham, helping individuals navigate the pain and complexities of marital separation and loss. Kristyn is especially passionate about walking with women healing from betrayal, no matter where their story leads. Her experience, faith, and empathy make her a trusted voice for those learning to trust again.

• How to begin healing after betrayal in a marriage
• What it looks like to walk with Jesus through heartbreak
• Why your story matters—no matter how messy it feels
• Insights from a therapist on navigating trauma and relational loss
• How faith and professional care can work together in the healing journey

If you’ve ever felt broken by someone you trusted or unsure of how to move forward, this episode will speak directly to your heart. You’ll be reminded that your pain is not the end of the story—and that healing, restoration, and hope are possible with Jesus walking beside you.

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It can be extremely difficult to know how to introduce and nurture a relationship with God for kids of all ages. How do you communicate a love that big and amazing with toddlers? Elementary kids? Preteens? Today on the podcast we welcome Tamara Lindhout, who has been a teacher for 20 years and works at a Christian school where she has impacted countless families with her gift of teaching kids about who God is.