The Devoted Dreamers Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 347 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/347

What if the pressure to “do it right” is actually keeping you from doing it at all?

Samantha Wells returns to the podcast, in part two, with the real story behind writing her first Bible study and the internal battle she faced along the way. From perfectionism and doubt to a two-year wrestle with the “big idea,” Samantha opens up about what it really took to move her God-shaped dream from concept to completion.

Together, we explore how God worked through her insecurities and pride, the small faithful steps she took even when clarity was absent, and the peace that came from releasing the outcome to the Lord. Her honesty will resonate if you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or paralyzed by procrastination, even when you deeply believe in the work you’ve been called to do.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 🧩 Practical strategies to overcome perfectionism and procrastination
 🙏 Why trusting God for the impact helps you take the next step in faith
 💬 How to move forward when you're afraid of what others might think

Whether your dream is to write, teach, lead, or create, this conversation will remind you that obedience matters more than polish, and that progress (even messy) is still progress. You don’t have to wait until you feel ready to say yes to God’s call.

Press “play” and be reminded that He wants to use you and your dream in His restoration story.

CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA WELLS:

Website

Get your hands on a copy of Sam’s new Bible study: Nehemiah: Labor, Longing, and the Promise of Restoration.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Come to the next Dream Out Loud call where you can practice talking about your dream with other dreamers.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 346 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/346

What if the very thing that makes your dream feel different is the reason God gave it to you?

Samantha Wells is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher with a deep love for Scripture and a heart for drawing women into comprehending God’s restorative work in the world. In this episode, she shares how she stepped out in faith to write a Bible study on the book of Nehemiah, not as a leadership guide or wall-building blueprint, but as a tender invitation to see God’s goodness in the rubble.

IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHETHER YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH COULD MAKE A KINGDOM DIFFERENCE, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU.

In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Samantha shares how God stirred a dream in her heart to teach and encourage women through the lesser-known parts of His Word and how she walked in obedience even when the path didn’t look like anyone else’s.

Her story will encourage you if you’ve ever felt like your ideas were too different or questioned whether your dream really matters. May it also help you trust God with your unique gifts and deepest desires.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 📖 How embracing God’s bigger story in all of Scripture can deepen your faith
✨ Why stepping out with your unique gifts—even if your approach looks different—truly matters
🤲 What it means to surrender control and trust God’s purposes with your deepest dreams

If you’ve been longing to take bold, faithful steps in your calling—especially when it looks different from others—this episode will renew your confidence that God is writing something beautiful through your life. 

Press “play” and be reminded that He wants to use you in His story of restoration.

Looking for a supportive community for your dreamer journey? Join us at the Dream Out Loud call, the 3rd Wednesday of the month. RSVP here.

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 345 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/345

Have you ever lost your confidence just as you were about to take a big risk?

It’s not your imagination. That wave of self-doubt, discouragement, or distraction is more than a bad day—it’s creative resistance. Understanding where it comes from (and how to respond) could be the difference between quitting and persevering.

This episode explores the spiritual reality of creative resistance—what it looks like, why it shows up, and how to prepare your heart for the battle that often follows a calling. You’ll hear personal experiences, biblical encouragement, and three powerful strategies for staying grounded when the enemy shows up loud.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 🧠 Why resistance shows up and how to recognize it
 ⚔️ Practical tools to fight discouragement, doubt, and spiritual attack
 ✨ The surprising truth that resistance reveals about you and your dream

If you've ever wondered whether you’re cut out for this dream or whether it’s even worth the battle, this conversation will reframe the struggle and help you stand firm.

 You don’t have to fight alone. It’s time to surround yourself with a community of women who know that resistance will come and are ready to fight back, together! 

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 344 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/344

What if the people who love you aren’t cheerleaders for your dream?

When God gives you a big dream, you want to talk about it! But what if you shared your heart with someone close to you only to be met with confusion, criticism, or silence? 

It’s deeply discouraging when your people don’t get it. But is their response a reflection of your qualifications or the validity of your dream, or is there something else at work here?

Today I’m unpacking three possible reasons why your close friends and family might not affirm your dream and what to do when their response threatens to shake your confidence. Whether their reaction is about fear, practicality, or your difficulty putting words to your ideas, there is a way forward.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 🧠 Why people close to you may not understand or affirm your God-shaped dream
 💬 How to respond when your support system doesn’t “get” it
 🔁 Three key strategies to shift your mindset and find the support you need

If you’ve ever felt unseen or unsupported in the early stages of your dream, this conversation will remind you where your true affirmation comes from and how to keep moving forward in faith even when it feels scary.

You were never meant to carry this big dream alone. Let’s get you the clarity, encouragement, and community you need to stay obedient to what God has asked you to do. Press ‘Play’ now!

 Mentioned in this episode: 

 Dream Out Loud – practice talking about your dream with other dreamers

 Join the Dream Believers community for $40/month or $400/year (2 months free)

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 343 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/343

What if the dream God gave you is already growing—just in a direction you didn’t expect?

In part 2 of my conversation with Andrea Olson, we explore how God often uses our past experiences, natural wiring, and even disappointments to shape something new in our calling. Andrea shares how a quiet season of listening uncovered a shift in her work, revealing a new mission to equip faith-driven entrepreneurs—something He had been preparing her for all along.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 🌱 Why your dream doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s
 🙏 A spiritual practice to help you discern your next steps 
 ❤️‍🔥 A freeing reminder that God’s will isn’t a tightrope but a wide-open meadow

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re equipped for where God is leading you—or feared doing things differently than others around you—this conversation will remind you that God delights in reshaping our dreams for His glory.

Andrea Olson is a worship leader, songwriter, and the founder of Overflow Worship. In this episode, she opens up about doing things differently, trusting God's timeline, and embracing the freedom to walk forward without a clear roadmap.

✨ Want help discerning your next step?
Grab my free 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt
It’s a short, Scripture-rich resource to help you refocus on truth and move forward in faith. You’ll find it at https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 342 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/342

What if your dream doesn't unfold the way you expected?

If you've ever faced a detour or disappointment in your pursuit of a passion project, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.

This week, I’m joined by worship leader, songwriter, and accidental entrepreneur Andrea Olson, founder of Overflow Worship. Andrea opens up about the evolution of her God-shaped dream—from music ministry to equipping worship teams to coaching faith-driven entrepreneurs—and how she’s learned to take faithful, surrendered steps even when things didn’t go as planned.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌟 How openness to change allows a dream to evolve in unexpected and life-giving directions,
🤲🏼 The power of surrendered action over stalled-out indecision, and
🎯 What to do when your prayers don’t seem to be answered.

Andrea’s story will remind you that God’s plans are always bigger and more beautiful than what we imagine—even when the path to get there looks like failure or setback. 

You’ll walk away with a deeper confidence that He knows what He’s doing and that your faithful obedience matters.

✨ Want help discerning your next step?

Grab the free 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt for a short, Scripture-rich resource to help you refocus on truth and move forward in faith. Grab it here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

CONNECT WITH ANDREA OLSON:

Website || Facebook || Instagram

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 341 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/341

What part of your dream could you test before you build it?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dream will really work, I have a case study for you today. I’m pulling back the curtain on the creation of my Dreamers Unleashed course to show you how I used beta testing to clarify my offer, gather feedback, and build something that genuinely serves Christian women who are battling imposter syndrome.

This conversation is part honest reflection, part practical roadmap—especially if you’re sitting on an idea and waiting to feel “ready” before you start.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 💡 How to use beta testing to validate and refine your dream
 📖 The story behind building my imposter syndrome course
 🛠️ How you can start fighting self-doubt with a new devotional resource

Are you ready to quiet the lies and take your next step with clarity? 

Download my new 7-day devotional: 7 Truths to Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt and get started today. It’s a short and powerful guide to help you get unstuck and remember what’s true. Click here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/devo

Whether you’re launching a new idea or simply wondering if your dream could really make a difference, this episode will encourage you to take one small, intentional step forward.

The world needs your dream, so don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. A beta test could be the spark that changes everything. 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 340 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/340 

Could your self-doubt actually be a spiritual battle in disguise?

Taking a step toward your big dream puts a bullseye on your back that the enemy cannot ignore. That’s why it is so important to equip yourself with the truth of God’s Word and put in place an action plan that will help you fight back when imposter syndrome returns.

Because it’s not just a mindset hurdle; it’s a spiritual battle the enemy loves to use to keep Christian women stuck on the sidelines.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🛡️ Why fighting imposter syndrome is a spiritual battle, not just a mindset issue
 📖 How Scripture offers a real, lasting antidote to the lies you hear
 🔁 The critical shift from “trying harder” to standing on God's promises

Whether you’re procrastinating out of fear, spinning in doubt, or believing the lie that you’re not “enough,” this episode will help you name the real issue and turn toward the only truth that stands firm.

You weren’t meant to fight this alone or in your own strength. God has already given you what you need to move forward in confidence, rooted in who He says you are.

So press play, and let’s get to the truth together.

Doors are OPEN for Dreamers Unleashed

If finding a better way to tackle imposter syndrome would help you move forward, my course Dreamers Unleashed is for you.

Find all the details and register here: 

https://www.merrittonsa.com/dreamersunleashed

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 339 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/339

Have you ever had an idea but you shut it down before it even had a chance? 

Maybe you think to yourself, “Someone else is already doing this,” or “What if no one’s interested?” or “Maybe later, when I’m more experienced.” That hesitation? That voice of doubt? It might be imposter syndrome.

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the subtle ways imposter syndrome keeps you stuck. It’s not always loud or obvious. Often, it masquerades as fear, hesitation, or “just being realistic.” But if left unchecked, it will silence your God-given calling before you even begin.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 🕵️ The hidden ways imposter syndrome shows up when you're about to step into your calling
 🚫 Why trying to believe you are enough doesn’t actually help—and what will
🧬 How imposter syndrome attacks your identity at the root

If you’re tired of spinning in the cycle of idea → doubt → shut down → repeat, this episode will help you name what’s really going on so you can finally do something about it.

If finding a better way to tackle imposter syndrome would help you move forward, my course Dreamers Unleashed is for you. It'll help you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose. It’s coming later this month and you don’t want to miss it!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

Dreamers Unleashed: 

Join me this summer for freedom from the fear, imposter syndrome, and comparison that’s currently standing in the way of your God-shaped dream. Get on the list and you’ll be the first to know when Dreamers Unleashed is open: http://merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome 

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep 338 show notes are here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/338 

Do you feel like you’ll never measure up?

If you have a God-shaped dream, maybe you’re familiar with the quiet voice in your head whispering, “Who am I to do this?” That’s imposter syndrome. And it’s likely been hanging around longer than you’ve known.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 🧠 A visualization exercise that helps you spot imposter syndrome creeping in
 🎭 What imposter syndrome actually sounds like (and why it’s sneakier than you think)
 🚀 Why identifying these lies early gives you back your momentum

Imposter syndrome doesn’t need a loud entrance to derail your dream. It often hides behind over-preparation, self-doubt, comparison, and fear. But once you know how to recognize it, you can interrupt the cycle and get back to the work God has called you to do.

Press play and be reminded: You’re not behind. You haven’t missed your chance. And your dream doesn’t depend on you being “ready”—just willing to trust the One who called you.

This one is for the woman who believes she is “not enough” to go after the dream God put on her heart. If that’s you, pay attention when I talk about Dreamers Unleashed, my live course/group coaching experience that will help you overcome perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and fear so you can walk in your God-given identity and purpose. It’s coming later this month and you don’t want to miss it!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 

Dreamers Unleashed: 

Join me this summer for freedom from the fear, imposter syndrome, and comparison that’s currently standing in the way of your God-shaped dream. Get on the list and you’ll be the first to know when Dreamers Unleashed is open: http://merrittonsa.com/impostersyndrome 

Sign up for Dream Believers. Just $49/month or $490 for the year (get 2 months free!) 

NEXT STEPS:
Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Call
Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android
Join the Dream Believers community

MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:
Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.
Ad music by Komiku.