The Collide Podcast

Rates of infidelity are through the roof, friendships don’t typically last longer than a handful of years (or sometimes, months), and the concept of loyalty seems to be somewhat of a lost art. In this episode of the podcast, our host Willow shares about how hot loyalty can really be and why we need to be fiercely committed to people.

Our guest today has a goal of living the type of life where if God doesn’t show up, it’s embarrassing. That’s exactly what has allowed her to dream big, work hard, and partner with God to create a thriving ministry called Live Salted that serves college and millennial women through hosting life-changing conferences, writing relevant topical blog posts, and encouraging women in their faith. Krista Hengesh is a speaker, writer, and Jesus-follower that boldy pursues God’s call on her life and experiences some amazing things along the way. Tune in for some golden truth nuggets and tips on listening for the voice of God.

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What does healing look like after sexual abuse and how can the church respond with compassion instead of silence?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Mary DeMuth to talk about sexual abuse, trauma, and the redemptive role the church can play in the healing journey. Mary shares from her own story as a survivor of childhood neglect and sexual abuse, offering thoughtful insight into how faith communities can enter sacred pain with humility, courage, and care. Whether you’re walking through personal healing, supporting a survivor, or longing to see the church become a safer place, this episode will remind you that restoration is possible and your story matters.

Mary is an author, speaker, and podcaster who is passionate about helping people live a re-storied life. A survivor herself, she has become a courageous advocate for abuse survivors while also calling the church to deeper empathy, accountability, and healing. Her work—including her recent book We Too—creates space for truth-telling, lament, and hope.

• Why silence around sexual abuse causes further harm—and how speaking truth brings healing
• How the church can respond to survivors with compassion, wisdom, and humility
• What it means to live a “re-storied” life after trauma
• Practical ways faith communities can support abuse survivors well

If you’ve ever carried the weight of unspoken pain or wrestled with where God is in the aftermath of trauma, this episode will offer language, validation, and hope. You’ll be reminded that healing is not rushed, you are not alone, and God meets us tenderly in our deepest wounds.

Connect with Mary - Website

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Order Willow’s New Book!

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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In this episode, we talk about the common struggle many women have with depression and anxiety. Our guest is Anh Johnson, who is an ordained Assemblies of God pastor, a bi-vocational church planter, a wife, a mother, and an amazing leader with an incredible story of coming out of pain into colliding with Jesus. Ahn shares wisdom on the topics of faith reconstruction, mental health, female leadership in the church, and living full so you can die empty.

Lori Salierno-Maldonado is the CEO of Teach One to Lead One, which is an incredible organization that supports at-risk kids. Lori carries the wisdom of many years of following God’s calling on her life. She speaks to the importance of mentorship, finishing what you started, and taking one step at a time on the journey to fulfilling your dreams and tackling challenges. Lori isn’t afraid of hard questions, and she has the faith, experience, and practical advice to encourage women to be their healthiest and most impactful selves. We are so excited to learn from her in this episode, and at our fall 2019 conference, Overcome.

What if the biggest obstacle between you and your calling isn't failure, but fear?

Olympic gold medalist Laura Wilkinson shares the incredible true story behind one of the greatest comeback victories in Olympic history. From a devastating injury just months before the Olympics to standing atop the podium, Laura reveals how God met her in uncertainty, strengthened her through suffering, and taught her that faith isn't about certainty—it's about taking the leap.

Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Wilkinson knows what it feels like to stand at the edge of impossible.

Just months before the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Laura shattered her foot and was told her Olympic dreams were all but over. Instead of giving up, she spent weeks visualizing every dive, trusting God through disappointment, and preparing for what seemed impossible.

Against every expectation, Laura went from 8th place to Olympic Gold, completing one of the greatest comeback stories in Olympic diving history.

But this conversation isn't really about winning medals.

It's about learning how to trust God when life doesn't go according to plan.

Laura shares the lessons she learned through injury, disappointment, fear, motherhood, retirement, and stepping back into the unknown after God called her out of retirement to pursue another Olympic dream.

If you've ever wondered whether God can still use your setbacks, this conversation will encourage you to keep taking the next faithful step.

• How to trust God when your dreams seem impossible
• Why perseverance is built through pain—not comfort
• What Laura learned after nearly losing her Olympic dream
• The surprising power of visualization and faith working together
• Why your identity must be rooted in Christ—not your accomplishments
• How Scripture became Laura's greatest source of strength under pressure
• The lesson a tiny mustard seed taught her moments before winning Olympic gold
• Why obedience often requires jumping before you know how you'll land
• How God uses setbacks to prepare us for His greater purpose
• What it means to find purpose beyond performance

If this conversation encouraged you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs hope today.

Order Willow's Book | Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

🌐 Visit our website for upcoming conferences, helpful resources, and encouragement for women pursuing healing, purpose, and deeper faith.

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

👀 Watch on YouTube

🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

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Our guest today is Kristen Mattila (who happens to also be on staff here at Collide), and she shares her personal story of battling anxiety, putting on bravery, discerning her calling, and making choices that require bold faith. Willow and Kristen have a conversation about putting off the front of “having it all together” and stepping into the callings that scare us the most, even when we don’t feel qualified.

In this encouraging solo episode, Collide founder Willow Weston shares 15 common hindrances that keep us from fully embracing God's purpose. If you've ever felt held back by fear, comparison, busyness, or unbelief, this conversation will help you identify what's standing in your way and inspire you to move forward with courage and faith.

Willow Weston is the founder and director of Collide, an author, Bible teacher, and speaker passionate about helping women experience healing through Jesus. Drawing from Hebrews 12, Willow shares practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for women who desire to live boldly, serve faithfully, and believe that God can use their lives to make an eternal impact.

• Why unbelief may be the biggest thing keeping you from God's calling.
• 15 hidden obstacles that quietly keep women from living with purpose.
• How to stop comparing yourself and start embracing the unique calling God has for your life.
• Why ordinary acts of faithfulness matter more than platform, recognition, or perfection.
• Practical encouragement to move from hesitation to courageous obedience.

You don't have to wait until you feel more qualified, more confident, or more capable before God can use you. As you listen, you'll be reminded that He delights in working through ordinary women who simply say "yes." Whatever has been holding you back, today can be the day you begin throwing it aside.

Cliches are cliches for a reason and oftentimes, some of the most conventional wisdom is the most profound. In this episode, Willow tells stories from when she experienced firsthand a few pieces of classic wisdom in fresh, personal ways. She speaks of letting the golden rule guide you, seeking advice from trusted friends, and more. Listen in as we wrap up our summer series on wisdom with some simple, yet inspiring truths.

Have you ever walked into someone’s home and immediately started making a shopping list in your head of all the things you would need to purchase for your own to even begin to measure up? Sometimes, envy can sneak up on us, but other times, it can strike with surprising force as we convince ourselves of our inadequacy as compared to someone else - whether it be their home, their wardrobe, their family, or their career.

Our guest today is the author of the book (I’m failing at) This Thing Called Home where she writes her thoughts on how to build a truly thriving home, even when you feel underqualified. Brooke Sailer is an organization expert, teacher, blogger, creative designer, and thoughtful writer and she speaks with us today on the topic of envy. Brooke is just as familiar with the next gal on the pain of envy and how it can hurt both the one experiencing the emotion, but also the woman who is the subject of the envy. You won’t want to miss Brooke and Willow’s insightful dialogue on this relevant topic.

Takeaways:

• This podcast is all about women colliding with Jesus through their messy lives, sharing stories of pain and joy.
• Home organization isn't just about decluttering—it's about expressing who you are and finding peace.
• Comparison and envy can rot our bones, but finding contentment in what we have is key to peace.

Real transformation happens when we focus on our hearts and invite Jesus into our homes and lives.

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

💑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!