The Lighten Up Podcast

If you've ever been curious or intimidated by Catholic traditions, then consider this episode your official “Mass Survival Guide!” 

My family and I have been exclusively attending Catholic Mass now for several months and we absolutely love it - including my kids! We’ve experienced Mass not as super “boring” (as some might describe it), but as a powerful act of worship focused entirely on Jesus and the Eucharist.

My hope is that these practical tips take some of the pressure off and allow you to fully experience the beauty of the Mass if you ever decide to go. Regardless of our backgrounds or denominations - the reverence, tradition, and the focus on Jesus at Mass is something to behold ☺️

Join our Patreon for weekly BOOK CLUB livestreams and bonus content!! Click the link below and choose your membership 👇🏼:

⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership

CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:

Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog

My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/

The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Catholic Curiosity

02:59 First Experiences with Catholic Mass

05:58 Understanding the Structure of Mass

09:00 Navigating Your First Mass

11:45 Reflections on the Eucharist and Community

Welcome back to another episode of questioning everything I’ve ever known LOL 

In this episode, I am joined by Emily Dinneny, a Catholic content creator, apologist, and researcher, known for her work with Catholic Answers and her mission to bring clarity to misunderstood doctrines.

Emily, a former evangelical, shares her jaw-dropping journey from questioning the faith to embracing the fullness of Catholic doctrine. Discover how early Christian traditions, historic church teachings, and compelling biblical evidence reveal a rich spiritual truth often hidden beneath decades of misunderstanding. 

Don’t miss this compelling conversation that challenges what you thought was possible and get ready to see Christianity in a new light! When you pursue history and tradition together, the full story of Jesus unfolds before your eyes! 

If you haven't seen the first episode of "What's Up with This Catholic Thing?!" you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/WPtH9muIlP0

Join our Patreon for weekly BOOK CLUB livestreams and bonus content!! Click the link below and choose your membership 👇🏼:

⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership

CONNECT WITH EMILY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@catholic.converts

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catholic.converts

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@catholic.converts

CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:

Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog

The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST

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Chapters:

00:00 Emily's Christian Roots and Early Faith

03:00 Questioning Faith and the Role of Church Community

09:05 Church Fathers and Biblical Interpretations

12:53 The Significance of the Eucharist in Catholic Doctrine

14:04 The Reformation and Its Consequences

19:42 Purgatory: Biblical and Historical Evidence

23:44 Prayers for the Dead and Intercession of Saints

31:35 Authority of Scripture and Church Tradition

35:57 Division in Christianity and the Call for Unity

42:57 Addressing Common Questions: Worship of Mary

47:19 The Power of Intercession and Communion of Saints

48:56 Closing Remarks and Resources for Further Learning

Over the past 6 months I’ve gone from a devout Protestant to a deep-dive investigator of early Christianity’s true origins. What I found REVOLUTIONIZED my understanding of faith. Which is why things are going to start looking a little bit differently around here… 

Welcome to a brand new Lighten Up series, WHAT’S UP WITH THIS CATHOLIC THING?! In this episode, I’ll walk you through the questions and discoveries that made me want to pursue Catholicism. And over the next several weeks, I will be sharing some amazing conversion stories with you! 

This series is perfect for anyone questioning the history they've been told, searching for biblical authenticity, or eager to understand the real roots of Christianity that might have been hidden for centuries. And if you're interested in going deeper, I invite you to join the Book Club on my Patreon! Click the link below 👇🏼 to gain full access to all the bonus content and Book Club videos! 

https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership

Chapters

00:00 Questioning Protestantism: A Journey Begins

03:02 Exploring Early Christianity and the Church Fathers

05:47 The Formation of the Bible and Its Authority

09:07 The Reformation and Its Impact on Denominations

11:51 Seeking the Unadulterated Truth

Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who you think would be interested in this 🙏🏼

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP:

Become a member on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/TheLightenUpPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Follow the Lighten Up Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9

Are we really doing enough to protect our kids? Most parents don’t realize how close predators are and how easy it is for them to slip through the cracks.

In this episode today Alex Rosen dives into the truth behind catching child predators that most of us never see. When you hear how he and his team, Predator Poachers, identify and confront these sick individuals (sometimes in direct face-to-face meetings) you'll realize how vital this undercover work is for protecting innocent lives. His story reveals the shocking prevalence of online predators and the heartbreaking gaps left by some law enforcement agencies, highlighting why vigilante efforts are sometimes necessary and how they serve as a crucial deterrent in a vast, hidden battle.

Hopefully this will be a wake-up call for any parent, teacher, or concerned citizen who understands that the fight to protect children is ongoing and multifaceted. The truth is… we all need to do our part. Be aware of who’s around your kids, limit their online exposure, and support efforts to keep predators off the streets.

CONNECT WITH PREDATOR POACHERS & SUPPORT:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/183869733650572/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PredatorPoachersOfficial/featured

Locals - https://predatorpoachers.locals.com/

Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/PredatorPoachers

X - https://x.com/iFightForKids

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Predator Poaching

03:52 The Process of Catching Predators

06:47 Challenges with Law Enforcement

09:24 Personal Motivation and Background

12:50 Approaches to Predator Engagement

15:59 Advice for Parents and Community Awareness

18:57 Mental Health and Emotional Toll

21:42 Supporting the Cause and Conclusion

Join our Patreon for weekly BOOK CLUB livestreams and bonus content!! Click the link below and choose your membership 👇🏼:

⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST

https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack

Have you ever stopped to consider… just what is a church?? The reality that we are living in where faith meets finance begs this question. And exactly how much do monetary systems influence religious institutions? In his documentary “The Religion Business”, Nathan Apffel investigates these secrets and seeks accountability for nonprofit organizations. 

Now, on the verge of a second season of The Religion Business, Nathan is sitting down to talk with us about making the challenging docuseries and solutions to this goliath of a problem. How could our communities transform if resources were just properly stewarded? 

RUN, don’t walk, to go watch The Religion Business here:

Amazon Prime - https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0FRNHPY6R/

Apple TV - https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-religion-business-and-the-nonprofit-goliath/umc.cmc.6kczso8i1txeziqcsz56xpso0

YouTube Movies - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ58Rj-dmgk

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nathan Apffel and The Religion Business

04:11 The Mixed Reception of The Religion Business

09:46 Remarkable Moments in Filming The Religion Business

12:52 Approach to Investigating Churches

18:21 Prosperity Gospel and Its Implications

21:08 Navigating Church Finances and Accountability

30:07 The Love of Money and Church Authority

34:26 Purging and Accountability in Christianity

40:15 Faith in Action and Personal Responsibility

43:53 Hope and the Future of the Church

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE & SOCIALS FOR UPDATES ON SEASON TWO!

Website - https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/religionbusiness/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thereligionbusiness

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST

https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack

This trend of church scandals being covered up by pastors more concerned with protecting their reputation rather than protecting their people is DEEPLY disturbing… 

In this episode of the Lighten Up Podcast we are sitting down with Kayleigh Kozak, a victim of sexual abuse dedicated to exposing evil and protecting other victims through legislation known as “Kayleigh’s Law.” Kayleigh shares her personal story and her inspiring fight for justice which highlights the ongoing struggles victims face in the legal system, the challenges of dealing with abusers, and the troubling role of churches in supporting abusers rather than victims. 

Kayleigh and Hannah’s stories are just 2 examples of church leadership blatantly IGNORING cases of abuse, and in Kayliegh’s case actively and publicly supporting her abuser. Unfortunately, this is becoming all too common. There needs to be more accountability and reform within the church to protect future generations from similar abuses! We urge listeners to stay vigilant and pray for our leaders in the body of Christ as well as the victims. 

Chapters

00:00 Unveiling the Scandals: A Personal Journey

05:53 Kaylee's Law: Protecting Victims for Life

12:00 The Ongoing Battle: Courtroom Struggles and Abuser's Tactics

17:52 The Church's Role: Cover-Up Culture and Accountability

23:17 The Church's Response to Abuse Cases

27:40 Accountability and Boundaries in Faith Communities

31:54 The Role of Leadership in Protecting Victims

36:32 The Impact of Institutional Failures on Victims

45:31 The Call for Truth and Reform in the Church

STAY INFORMED - CONNECT WITH KAYLEIGH:

Follow her on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekayleighkozak/

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST

https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack

Have you ever wondered why so much news feels like propaganda? 

I’ve seen FIRSTHAND how big media controls the narrative — and it’s sickening. But there's a silver lining: independent journalism is booming, giving us real truth and freedom to speak!! Today we are sitting down with Ivory Hecker, an independent journalist and news analyst who spent nine years as a TV news reporter and anchor. In 2021 she went viral for calling out her employer FOX Corp live on air after witnessing the suppression of truth and deception of viewers. She now dedicates her time to shining light on issues the media lies about or suppresses. 

Ivory’s boldness is inspirational and in this episode you’ll hear just how much we’re being lied to. It’s time we all start demanding the truth!! 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Ivory

03:00 The Polarization of News Media

06:13 Investigating the Somali Fraud Story

09:07 The Emotional Toll of Independent Reporting

12:03 The Financial Upside of Independent Journalism

15:00 The Cult-like Nature of Corporate Media

18:01 Personal Experiences in Corporate News and Control

20:40 Media Manipulation and Vaccine Promotion

21:57 The Role of Corporate Interests in Journalism

23:58 Gaslighting in Newsrooms

28:05 The Future of Journalism: Independent vs. Corporate

34:50 Empowering New Journalists through Education

IF YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT REAL STORIES AND WANT TO LEARN HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF, CHECK OUT IVORY’S INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM COURSE HERE: 👇🏼

https://freepresscourse.com 

AND CONNECT WITH IVORY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Ivory’s Instagram: 

https://instagram.com/real.ivory?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Ivory’s Twitter:

twitter.com/ivoryhecker 

Ivory’s YouTube :

https://youtube.com/@IvoryHecker 

Ivory’s Rumble: https://rumble.com/v6ehl0d-truth-about-childhood-vaccines-dr.-sherri-tenpenny.html

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST

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Today my husband, Blaine Crews, is joining us on the Lighten Up Podcast to discuss our somewhat unconventional marriage filled with ups and downs, beauty and trauma, and the undeniable presence of God throughout. 

On top of sharing our love story, we will share the tough stuff too. A sexually deviant youth pastor who stole my virginity at 17 years old, fighting for our lives in court after being sued for speaking out about it (we won, praise God), and being completely ignored by the pastors of the church my abuser was a part of. Cover-ups, corruption, and abuse of power are far too common in the church. And it needs to end.

THE PROOF - COURT DOCUMENTS, DEPOSITIONS, AND RULING:

https://www.crews-vs-richard-galvan-sonia-galvan.com

For those who haven’t heard my full testimony, you can watch that here:

https://youtu.be/_SD-b2fJav8

We desperately need more people like Blaine in the body of Christ. Men and women who are not afraid to call out evil when they see it. Unfortunately, cover-up culture is more prevalent than most people are willing to admit. But God is still good, and everything done in darkness will always come to light.

Chapters

00:00 The Beginning of Our Love Story

02:56 Childhood and Musical Journey

05:57 Pursuing Dreams and Overcoming Challenges

09:03 The First Connection: Social Media and Fate

11:52 The Call That Changed Everything

15:00 Early Marriage: Trials and Triumphs

18:02 Facing Adversity: Job Loss and Financial Struggles

21:13 Unpacking Trauma: The Youth Pastor Incident

24:06 The Lawsuit: A Fight for Justice

26:51 The Aftermath: Discovering the Truth

29:57 The Church's Response: Cover-Up Culture

32:56 The Bigger Picture: Issues in the Church

36:01 The Call for Transparency and Accountability

39:01 Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Hope

Join our Patreon for weekly BOOK CLUB livestreams and bonus content!! Click the link below and choose your membership 👇🏼:

⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership
Subscribe on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog

Follow the Lighten Up Podcast on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST

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CHECK OUT PRENUVO:

A FULL BODY MRI SCAN LIKE NO OTHER

https://prenuvo.com/?discount=hannahcrews%25E2%2581%25A0

💍WHERE ARE ALL MY SINGLE LADIES AT??! This episode is for YOU!!! 

In today’s fast-paced world, being single can often feel like an endless waiting game. Many women find themselves caught in a cycle of longing and comparison, waiting for a partner while trying to navigate their own journey. In this episode we are sitting down with the lovely Christian Bevere today to talk aaallll about the importance of prayer, character development, and maintaining faith during the single season.

If you’ve not heard Christian’s testimony before of how God transformed her single season into a beautiful lesson on absolute faith and trust in Him, then you WON’T want to miss a single second of this episode! Her story is a powerful reminder of how God uses signs and wonders to communicate with us, and how his plans for us are so much greater than we could ever ask for or imagine 🥹

MOMENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS:

00:00 Navigating the Single Season

02:55 The Power of Prayer in Singleness

06:01 The Importance of Waiting Well

09:08 Overcoming Comparison and Envy

11:58 Active vs. Passive Waiting

15:08 God's Timing and His Promises

18:06 The Role of Women in Today's Culture

20:55 Signs and Confirmation from God

23:49 Preparing for Marriage

27:05 The Journey to Finding a Partner

30:11 The Impact of Prayer on Relationships

32:46 The Beauty of Covenant Relationships

36:01 Encouragement for the Waiting Season

38:59 The Importance of Community and Support

42:07 Resources for the Single Season

Share this episode with one of your single friends AND PRE-ORDER CHRISTIAN’S BOOKS HERE 👇🏼BEFORE FEB 10TH TO GET YOUR FREEBIES 😍

https://christianbevere.com/future-husband

These books would make a perfect Valentine's Day gift for yourself or someone you know! Just imagine how many special moments you and your future husband will be able to relive with these amazing tools ❤️🥰

AND DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN’S PODCAST, DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianBevereAuthor

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4BiLXjBUk4n4B2q7rebTM6

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-future-husband/id1694220083

Hannah’s Dear Future Husband Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qitTxjZuC6c&list=PLKKNka_jBCkbLEqsdRoVb13XxR40Us4GS&index=81

GET CONNECTED WITH CHRISTIAN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Dear Future Husband on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedearfuturehusbandpodcast/

Christian Bevere on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrschristianbevere

Christian’s Website - https://christianbevere.com/

Guys, get ready to meet a remarkable woman with a remarkable testimony! Rose Ramandi sat down with me to talk about her personal encounters with Jesus. THAT’S RIGHT. encounterS, PLURAL. 

Rose's journey from being a Muslim in Iran to discovering faith in Jesus Christ is truly inspiring! In our conversation, she opens up about her struggles with identity, despair, and suicidal thoughts, and how a beautiful, life-changing encounter with God transformed everything. Rose talks about the striking differences she found between the teachings of Islam and the amazing love of God she came to know, her heartfelt search for truth, and the real challenges that Christians face in Iran. Her story is such a powerful reminder of how faith can change lives and why getting to know Jesus personally means so much. ✝️

MOMENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS:

00:00 Everyone say "Hiiii, Rose" 👋🏼👋🏼

04:32 Rose's struggle with identity and despair as a woman in Iran

09:13 Encountering divine love in the midst of hopelessness 

12:38 The revelation of how sin separates us from God

14:48 The Holy Spirit revealed through scripture and prayer (WOW🤯)

19:50 MIC DROP moment about approaching God 🫳🏼🎤

22:47 Rose's 10 year search for the one true God

31:04 The Moment of Truth ✝️

37:23 Rose's perspective on the state of faith in Iran and her ministry

41:57 Recognizing our need to KNOW Jesus

Rose’s passion and enthusiasm for sharing Jesus’ love is so beautiful and infectious 😊and I am so grateful that she shared it with us! God loves you and He wants to reveal his true nature to you ❤️ all you have to do is let Him 🕊️

We love you, Rose Ramandi

GET CONNECTED WITH ROSE:

Follow her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rose.ramandi/

Listen to her podcast:

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rose-ramandi-untold-mysteries/id1547847781

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4uFOlJBjqU7mlQalaHbmXe

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEkZxtEjOYnKw7b77kcJlHcTgKq4jd7Xc

Check out her website:

https://www.perfectedbyblood.com/

CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES:

https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack