Work Toward Wonder

Welcome to Season 1 Episode 11 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, Gracyn McNiell is joined by Kate Sebastian for a much-needed conversation about something our world rarely values: slowing down. In a culture that glorifies hustle and constant motion, choosing rest can feel impossible—but it’s actually essential for a life rooted in Christ.

Gracyn and Kate dive into what it really means to step out of the rush and make space for stillness, worship, and closeness with God. They explore how rest isn’t laziness—it’s worship. Through personal stories and biblical insights, Kate shares her journey from a jam-packed schedule to a more intentional, peace-filled life.

From learning to say “no” to stepping away from nonstop busyness, this episode offers practical tools for creating room to be with the Lord—even when life doesn’t slow down. You’ll hear how rest not only restores our bodies, minds, and spirits but also sharpens our spiritual awareness and deepens our impact on others.

Whether you’re exhausted, distracted, or just craving a more grounded way of living, this conversation is a timely reminder: rest isn’t something that just happens—you have to choose it.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 10 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, Gracyn McNiell sits down with Lucas Rappenecker to talk about a battle that’s happening all around us—whether we see it or not. Spiritual warfare isn’t just a church term or something from Bible stories; it’s a real and active part of the Christian life. The Bible says we’re not fighting against people, but against spiritual forces of evil. So what does that actually look like in day-to-day life?

Gracyn and Lucas break down what spiritual warfare is, why it matters, and how to recognize when you’re in the middle of it. They talk about the nature of God and Satan—not as equal and opposite forces, but as a Creator and a created enemy—and why understanding that matters in how we fight our spiritual battles. They also dive into the role of trials and suffering, the reality of hell, and the importance of spiritual awareness in a world that often makes light of darkness. From Ouija boards and crystals to manifesting and karma, culture tends to romanticize things that open spiritual doors, and this episode talks honestly about why that’s dangerous.

Lucas shares how to lean into the power of the Holy Spirit when you’re facing spiritual attacks, and why community and accountability are key in staying strong. Together, Gracyn and Lucas remind listeners that the battle may be invisible, but it’s real—and the only way to win is by surrendering fully to Jesus. Whether you’ve experienced spiritual warfare firsthand or you’re just beginning to learn about it, this conversation will challenge you to be more aware, more equipped, and more confident in the authority you have in Christ.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 9 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎙️I

n this episode, Gracyn sits down with Anna Westphal to talk about fear, obedience, and what it serving the Lord looks like.

Anna shares how she once felt paralyzed by fear—afraid to speak up, hesitant to share her faith, and constantly worried about what others thought. But everything began to shift when she moved to Kansas City. Through deepening her relationship with God, stepping into community, and saying “yes” to hard things, Anna discovered a boldness she never knew she had.Now, Anna travels the world sharing the gospel and serving others with passion and purpose. From the Midwest to the mission field, her story is a powerful reminder that freedom begins when we stop living for the approval of others and start living for the glory of God.

Whether you’ve felt stuck in fear or unsure of your calling, this episode will challenge you to step out and trust that God’s plans are bigger than your doubts.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 8 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

In today’s episode, Gracyn sits down with Selfless Love Ministry founder and college baseball player Ryan Reynolds for a powerful, heart-wrenching, and deeply redemptive conversation about trauma, identity, healing, and hope.

Ryan shares his remarkable testimony of surviving childhood abuse, foster care, rejection, and attempts to end his life—and how, through it all, God never let go. He opens up about the emotional scars of growing up in a broken home, navigating unstable placements, and being silenced in the face of injustice. Yet even in the darkest valleys, God was preparing him for a greater purpose.We also dive into Ryan’s love for baseball—how it became both an outlet and a mission field. He shares how the sport gave him confidence, connection, and eventually a way to serve others while glorifying God. From playing college ball to leading a ministry, Ryan reflects on what it means to use your God-given gifts for something bigger than yourself.This episode is full of honest reflections on what it means to walk through the fire, wrestle with identity, and still find redemption through Christ. Ryan’s journey will remind you that no matter what your past holds, God’s love never lets go.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 7 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

In today’s episode, Gracyn sits down with Annah Cloin for a vulnerable and uplifting conversation about what it truly means to delight in the Lord—and how everything changes when we do.

Annah shares how her view of God shifted from duty to delight, and how choosing to live in awe of His goodness brought freedom, healing, and a deeper intimacy in her walk with Him. She opens up about the challenges of being in a relationship that didn’t honor or delight in the Lord, and how that season revealed the importance of aligning desires with God’s plan.

This episode explores how to cultivate a life of joy, rest, and gratitude while ultimately delighting in The Lord. Annah also talks about navigating different seasons in life, the necessity of spiritual rest, and what it looks like to live in a posture of worship beyond Sunday mornings.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from striving to abiding, or how to surrender your story to God’s timing, this episode is full of honest reflections, encouragement, and Spirit-led wisdom.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 6 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

In today’s episode, Gracyn sits down with Annie Casler of James River Worship for a deep and practical conversation about worship leading, waiting on the Lord, and staying rooted in Jesus—even in the middle of a busy life.

Annie shares how she first felt called into worship ministry and the journey that led her to James River. She opens up about the way leading worship has transformed her relationship with God, how she prepares her heart, and what it looks like to lead not just with talent—but in spirit and in truth.

This episode dives into the difference between singing and ministering, how to serve in unity, and how to stay spiritually fresh and humble even when you don’t have the spotlight. Annie also shares the heart and story behind her song Defender, and gives beautiful advice for anyone wanting to share the Gospel, whether on a stage or in everyday life.If you're passionate about worship, curious about ministry life, or just need encouragement to stay faithful in your calling, this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and Holy Spirit-filled truth.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 5 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

In today’s episode, Gracyn sits down with Callie Davis, a high school athlete with a heart fully surrendered to God's plan. Together, they dive into a powerful conversation about honoring God through high school sports—and what it looks like when your identity isn’t rooted in performance, but in Christ.

Callie shares her personal decision to step away from competitive sports after high school, not because she wasn’t capable, but because she felt God calling her to something different. This episode is a deep encouragement to any teen athlete (or parent of one!) who feels the pressure to prove themselves through their accomplishments.

Gracyn and Callie talk through how sports can be a platform for glorifying God, how to navigate big decisions with faith, and why your sport doesn’t define you—Jesus does.

If you’re a student-athlete wrestling with your future, or just someone trying to keep your eyes on Jesus in a competitive world, this episode is for you. Get ready for grace, wisdom, and truth that speaks right to your season.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 4 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

In today’s episode, Gracyn sits down with Silas Lotzow for an authentic conversation about what it truly means to live your life for Jesus—especially as a teenager. From the pressure of performance in sports, to sharing the gospel, to being a light on social media, we encourage teens to live a life that flows from the heart of the Father.

Silas shares his personal experiences of walking with Jesus through the highs and lows of teen life, and how he’s learned to let his faith guide every decision, interaction, and platform he steps into. Together, Gracyn and Silas unpack what it means to be a light in the dark, how to find confidence in who God says you are, and why a relationship with Jesus isn't just for Sundays—it’s for every moment.

If you're a teen trying to figure out how to follow Jesus in a culture that often pushes Him aside, or if you're someone who wants to better understand and support the next generation, this conversation is for you. Get ready for truth, encouragement, and a reminder that God is moving in this generation—starting with you.

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Welcome to Season 1 Episode 3 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

Today, Gracyn sits down with Rachel Fishel to have a messy, honest, and faith-filled conversation about unforgiveness. After her life was flipped upside down by betrayal and divorce, Rachel was faced with a decision: would she surrender the pain to God—or hold onto the hurt?

This episode is a powerful testimony of grace, healing, and the battle between bitterness and breakthrough. If you’ve ever struggled to forgive, this conversation is for you.

Welcome to season 1 episode 2 of the Work Toward Wonder Podcast! 🎉

In this heartfelt episode, Gracyn sits down with her youth pastor, Kelcie, to have an honest conversation about hearing God’s voice while walking through the darkness of depression. After facing the terrifying experience of almost losing her son, Kelcie found herself in a deep pit. Holding onto a vision God had previously given her, she wrestled with how to hear from Him when He felt so distant. Join us as Kelcie shares her journey of faith, doubt, and the moments she encountered God’s presence in unexpected ways.

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