The Collide Podcast

How can you build a happy, healthy life while navigating complicated family relationships—and still set boundaries that honor your well-being?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with therapist Greg Fischer, PhD to talk about navigating complex family dynamics and setting healthy boundaries. Greg helps us unpack the unspoken roles, patterns, and scripts many of us inherit within our families—and how those dynamics impact our relationships as adults. Whether you’re navigating ongoing conflict, wrestling with forgiveness, or discerning when boundaries are necessary, this episode will remind you that healing is possible and clarity brings freedom.

Greg is a licensed therapist, assistant professor of clinical psychology at George Fox University, and former pastor with a deep understanding of family systems and relational healing. He holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings both clinical expertise and pastoral wisdom into conversations around conflict, repair, and reconciliation. Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families move toward health, honesty, and sustainable connection.

1. How to take inventory of your family dynamics and relational patterns
2. How to recognize inherited roles and scripts that shape your behavior
3. Whether repair is possible after relational harm—and what it can look like
4. The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation
5. When boundaries are necessary and how to implement them well
6. The best ways to address conflict with a family member in a healthy, grounded way

If you’ve ever felt stuck in painful family patterns or unsure how to move forward without causing more harm, this episode will offer clarity, language, and practical tools. You’ll be reminded that setting boundaries is not unloving, repair takes wisdom, and you are allowed to pursue peace without abandoning yourself.

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Learn more about Greg and his work - Website

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Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What if faith was never meant to be complicated?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Kelsey Jenney, a longtime Young Life staff member, speaker, and certified Spiritual Director, to talk about what it looks like to keep our relationship with God simple - especially in seasons when prayers feel unanswered and hope feels hard to hold. Through meaningful conversation (and a little talk about guacamole, hummus, and peanut butter), we explore what it looks like to welcome God into the ache, practice the ministry of presence, and rest in a faith rooted in relationship rather than striving. Whether you’re weary, questioning, or longing for deeper connection, this episode will remind you that God is near—and simplicity can be sacred.

Kelsey is a longtime Young Life staff member with over 20 years of ministry experience, currently serving in disability ministry through Young Life Capernaum while also traveling, speaking, and hosting retreats. She is a certified Spiritual Director and is pursuing a Master’s in Spiritual Formation at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Kelsey is passionate about prayer, spiritual formation, and creating space for authentic encounters with God rooted in presence rather than performance.

• Why keeping the gospel simple matters in real life
• A mantra to hold onto when prayers feel unanswered
• How to hold hope in the ache without rushing past pain
• What the ministry of presence looks like in everyday faith
• How imaginative prayer and spiritual consent invite deeper connection with God

All the Best – Connect with Jesus and find peace through guided reflections on Mary and Martha’s story, helping you overcome distraction, worry, and comparison.

Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

Connect with Jenny - Website | Instagram

Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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What would it look like to renew your mind by allowing God to meet you in the thoughts you’ve been struggling to change on your own?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with therapist Emily Weidlich, MA, LPC to talk about reframing negative thought patterns as we step into a new year. Emily shares how our internal narratives are often shaped by past experiences—and how, with compassion and curiosity, we can begin to understand and gently challenge those thoughts. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and self-compassion, she offers practical insight into noticing what we think, naming what we feel, and responding to ourselves with grace. Whether you’re feeling stuck in cycles of self-criticism, longing for emotional clarity, or hoping to start the year with intention, this episode will remind you that change begins with awareness and kindness toward yourself.

Emily is a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in counseling from Western Seminary and a psychology degree from Multnomah University. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she brings a grounded, relational approach to therapy that helps clients better understand their stories and inner world. Emily is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where people can process the past, identify their needs, and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and responding to life.

• How to recognize and reframe negative thought patterns without shame
• Why understanding your past can bring freedom in your present
• The connection between thoughts, emotions, and unmet needs
• How self-compassion can transform the way you relate to yourself
• Practical ways to approach the new year with intention rather than pressure

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts or frustrated by patterns you can’t seem to break, this episode will help you feel seen and supported. You’ll be reminded that healing doesn’t require perfection—just honesty, curiosity, and compassion—and that you’re allowed to move forward with grace, one thought at a time.

Connect with Emily - Website

Order Willow’s New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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

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What if the small habits you practice every day are shaping your faith and health more than the big moments ever could?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Justin Whitmel Earley to talk about how intentional habits and spiritual rhythms can lead to healing, clarity, and deeper connection with Jesus in the midst of a distracted world. Justin shares about recognizing what our bodies are telling us, the power of small habit shifts, and how spiritual disciplines shape not only our faith—but our mental and emotional health. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by busyness, longing for healthier rhythms, or craving a more grounded spiritual life, this episode will remind you that meaningful transformation often begins with simple, faithful practices.

Justin is a lawyer, author, speaker, and dad of four boys based in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People, books that explore spiritual formation, family rhythms, and the deep human need for connection. Justin is passionate about helping people build grace-filled habits that anchor their lives in Jesus, even amid chaos and digital overwhelm. His story is a powerful example of how ordinary practices can form extraordinary faith.

• Why your habits play a critical role in your spiritual, mental, and physical health
• How to listen to what your body is telling you instead of pushing through exhaustion
• The transformative power of small, sustainable habit shifts
• How spiritual disciplines can positively impact mental health and emotional resilience
• Why healing and formation often begin with simple daily rhythms

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, spiritually dry, or overwhelmed by the noise of daily life, this episode will offer practical hope and a gentle invitation to slow down. You’ll be reminded that God meets you in the small, faithful rhythms of everyday life—and that healing doesn’t require perfection, just intentional presence with Jesus.

Connect with Justin - Website | Instagram | The Common Rule

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Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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

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Where do you go when God feels distant—even though everyone says He’s “with you”?

In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Bob Marvel to talk about the deeply personal and sometimes confusing reality of Immanuel—God with us. Bob shares about seasons when God felt hard to sense, dismantling the myth that pastors have a “fast pass” to God. Through stories, theology, and lived experience, he offers insight on God’s nearness, spiritual dryness, false assumptions about faith, and how to meet God where you actually are—not where you think you should be. Whether you’re longing for God, walking through doubt, or feeling spiritually hungry, this episode will remind you that God has not moved—and He is closer than you think.

Pastor Bob Marvel has served as Senior Pastor of Cornwall Church for nearly 30 years and comes from a third-generation ministry family. A passionate teacher and shepherd, Bob has helped shape countless lives through his honest, Scripture-rooted approach to faith. His life and leadership reflect a deep love for Jesus, the local church, and helping people encounter a God who is truly present.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• Why God can feel distant even when Scripture promises He is near
• The myths we believe about who God is “with”—and who He isn’t
• Why pastors don’t have a closer connection to God than anyone else
• How Jesus revealed God’s nearness to the overlooked and unlikely
• Where to look for God when you feel spiritually dry or desperate
• Practical ways to move toward God when you don’t even know where to start

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt like God must be disappointed in you, far from you, or accessible to everyone but you, this episode will gently reframe everything you think you know about His presence. You’ll be reminded that God does not wait for you to get it together—He draws near right where you are, offering love, hope, and Himself.

Love this episode? Partner with Us!

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Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Order Willow’s New Book!

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

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

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How do you hold on to hope when grief feels overwhelming—especially during the holidays?

In this honest and powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Doug and Laurie Bunnell to talk about walking through profound loss and choosing hope in the midst of deep grief. They vulnerably share about their experience with unimaginable loss and how God has met them in their pain, offering insights on grief, faith, resilience, and hope—particularly during the Christmas season. Whether you’re navigating loss, carrying quiet sorrow, or entering the holidays with a heavy heart, this episode will remind you that hope can still be found, even in the darkest moments.

Doug Bunnell is a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham, WA and Laurie Bunnell is a Preschool Director. Together, they are deeply committed to loving and serving people with compassion and authenticity. Their story is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness in suffering and the courage it takes to keep trusting Him through grief.

1. What it looks like to walk honestly through grief without rushing healing
2. How faith can be stretched—and strengthened—through devastating loss
3. Why hope is still possible, even when circumstances don’t change
4. How to navigate the holidays while carrying grief

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever faced loss that feels impossible to carry—especially during a season meant for joy—this episode will offer comfort, permission to grieve honestly, and hope that you are not alone. You’ll be reminded that God meets us in our sorrow and gently invites us to keep going, one faithful step at a time.

Partner with Us

Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.

💛 Give today online or Venmo

Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus.

🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide Shop

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Pre-Order Willow’s New Book!

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide

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

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

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💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

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What if the stories of people who have died and come back could reshape the way you understand God, heaven, and your purpose on earth?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with pastor and author John Burke to explore the mysteries of near-death experiences (NDEs) and what they reveal about the God of the Bible. John shares how three decades of studying more than 1,000 NDEs—and personally interviewing people from every continent—has strengthened his faith and pointed consistently to a God of captivating love. Whether you’re navigating grief, wrestling with doubt, or longing to better understand eternity, this conversation will remind you that God is closer, kinder, and more glorious than you ever imagined.

John is the founder and former lead pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas, a multisite church that has grown to more than 4,500 people since its launch in 1998. He is also the president of Gateway Leadership Initiative, equipping church planters and everyday Christians to “raise the church out of the culture.” John is a New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and has written several influential books, including No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and his newest work, Imagine the God of Heaven. He is passionate about helping people discover the real God revealed through Scripture and confirmed through thousands of NDEs. His story is a powerful example of curiosity transformed into calling.

Connect with John - Website | Instagram

• What near-death experiences really are—and why they matter
• The surprising commonalities people report across countries, cultures, and faith backgrounds
• How NDEs align with what Scripture teaches about heaven, God, and life after death
• The personal story of how John went from agnostic engineer to follower of Jesus
• What convinced him that these experiences cannot be explained by drugs, dreams, or hallucinations
• How these accounts can strengthen your hope, shape your faith, and transform your view of eternity

If you’ve ever feared death, questioned God’s goodness, or longed for assurance about your loved ones, this episode will offer hope-filled perspective. You’ll be reminded that God’s love is more personal, powerful, and present than you think—and that eternity is far more real and beautiful than you’ve imagined.

Personal and Powerful Bible Study - Explores how God shows up in our lives in ways that are both deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

Partner with Us

Love what Collide is doing? Help us bring hope and healing to women through counseling, content, and connection.

💛 Give today online or Venmo

Connect with Willow - Website | Instagram | Facebook

Pre-Order Willow’s New Book! 

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide 

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

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🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

What if pursuing what is lovely could transform every part of your life?

In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Jenn Johnson to explore her journey as a worship leader, songwriter, author, and mom. Jenn shares about her early love for music, how her faith became her own, and the stories behind some of her most beloved songs, including a personal love song written to Jesus. She also talks about her book All Things Lovely and how choosing what is true, pure, and praiseworthy can impact your home, heart, health, and hospitality. Whether you’re navigating your own spiritual journey, creative pursuits, or family life, this episode will encourage you to live more intentionally and beautifully.

Jenn Johnson is an American worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and author, best known as the co-founder and President of Bethel Music and its Worship School in Redding, California. Alongside her husband, Brian Johnson, she serves as senior worship pastor at Bethel Church. Jenn has co-written songs that are sung worldwide, including Goodness of God, You’re Gonna Be OK, and God I Look to You. She is also the author of All Things Lovely and founder of the lifestyle brand Lovely by Jenn Johnson, which inspires women toward holistic health and intentional living. Jenn and Brian live in Redding with their five children, including two adopted children who inspired some of her songwriting.

• Jenn’s musical roots and early dreams of worship
• How her faith became her own and shaped her life and ministry
• The inspiration and core message behind her book All Things Lovely
• Her favorite love song written to Jesus and what it reveals about worship
• Practical ways to pursue beauty, wholeness, and grace in your home, heart, health, and hospitality

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by busyness, perfectionism, or the demands of life, this episode will inspire you to slow down, embrace what is lovely, and cultivate intentional rhythms. You’ll be reminded that worship isn’t just about music—it’s a lifestyle of beauty, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion to God.

Shop for Good - Support the work of Collide by shopping our thoughtfully curated collection of Bible studies, apparel, candles, and more. Every purchase helps fund our mission to help women experience the transformational love of Jesus.

🎉 Special for Podcast Listeners: Enjoy 20% off your order with code PODCAST20 at The Collide Shop

Connect with Jenn - Website | Spotify | All Things Lovely Book

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Pre-Order Willow’s New Book! 

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide 

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

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!

Have you ever apologized to someone you love, only to feel like your words weren't enough to make things right?

In this episode of The Collide Podcast, Willow Weston sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Jennifer Thomas, co-author of The 5 Apology Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman, to explore why apologies sometimes fall short and what it really takes to heal broken relationships. Jennifer shares the five apology languages, why our past experiences shape how we handle conflict, and how to communicate what we need when we've been hurt. Together, they discuss rebuilding trust, breaking unhealthy patterns, and navigating forgiveness when someone refuses to take responsibility. Whether you're struggling with conflict in your marriage, family, or friendships, this conversation offers practical tools to help you move beyond hurt and toward healthier communication, deeper understanding, and lasting reconciliation.

Meet Dr. Thomas

Dr. Jennifer Thomas is a best-selling author, psychologist, and sought-after speaker who has spent decades helping people navigate the beautiful and sometimes messy work of relationships. She co-authored The 5 Apology Languages™ with Dr. Gary Chapman, creator of The 5 Love Languages®, and is one of a handful of approved presenters for his global teaching series. Through her research and writing, Dr. Thomas equips individuals, couples, and organizations to communicate more effectively, repair broken trust, and extend forgiveness rooted in biblical truth.

• Why doesn't saying "I'm sorry" always work? Discover the five apology languages and why understanding what someone needs to hear can make all the difference in resolving conflict.
• What if someone refuses to apologize? Explore practical ways to communicate your hurt, ask for what you need, and approach difficult conversations without creating more conflict.
• How do you rebuild trust after repeated hurt? Learn why a genuine apology often requires taking responsibility, making amends, and demonstrating a willingness to change.
• Why is apologizing so hard for some people? Understand how childhood experiences, shame, and fear of admitting mistakes can shape the way we respond to conflict.
• How do forgiveness and reconciliation work together? Learn why forgiveness can't be demanded, why boundaries may still be necessary, and how God's grace can help us move toward healing.

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever struggled to move past hurt, wished someone’s apology felt more genuine, or wondered how to forgive when it feels impossible, this episode will offer hope and clarity. You’ll be reminded that God calls us not just to say the right words—but to live out forgiveness that restores hearts and rebuilds trust.

Connect with Dr. Thomas

Website | drjenniferthomas.com

Facebook | facebook.com/drjenthomas

Book | The 5 Apology Languages: The Secret to Healthy Relationships

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💑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.

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What if the way to heal our divided world starts with simply walking with people?

In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Carlos Whittaker to talk about what it means to truly connect with others—even when we don’t see eye to eye. Carlos shares his passion for bringing hope and humanity to the forefront of our conversations and challenges us to live out empathy in action. From stories of kindness sparked by his “Instafamilia” to moments of faith and vulnerability that have shaped his journey, Carlos reminds us that walking with people in love and grace can change lives—ours included.

Carlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker on a mission to bring hope to humans everywhere. Known for his authenticity and compassion, Carlos has built a massive online community that rallies around doing good and living connected. Whether he’s writing best-selling books, leading meaningful conversations, or dancing to Beyoncé with his family in Nashville, Carlos brings joy and purpose to everything he does. His motto—“Don’t stand on issues, walk with people”—beautifully captures his heart for unity and understanding in a divided world.

• How walking with people (not standing on issues) can transform relationships
• Why empathy is the key to healing our communities
• The power of showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable
• How faith fuels Carlos’s passion for connection and hope
• Practical ways to bring more kindness and courage into everyday life.

How This Episode Will Encourage You

If you’ve ever felt weary from the world’s division or unsure how to make a difference, this episode will lift your spirit and renew your sense of purpose. You’ll be reminded that the greatest impact often begins with one small act of love—and that when we choose to walk with people, we walk closer to the heart of God.

Connect with Carlos - Website | Books | Podcast

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Pre-Order Willow’s New Book! 

Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

Follow and Support Collide 

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

📲 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram

🛍️ Shop for good at the Collide Store

💛 Give today online or Venmo to impact lives

📬 Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to hear about new episodes, blog posts, events, and resources and more!