Hey guys, welcome to this episode of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast! I am SO excited for you to hear this conversation because today I’m joined by the amazing Amanda Hope Haley — author of Stones Still Speak and a brilliant biblical archaeologist who is passionate about helping believers truly understand Scripture.
Amanda and I had already been talking for so long offline that we finally said, “Okay… we need to hit record!” And I’m so glad we did. Her story is layered with faith, curiosity, academic depth, humor, and a whole lot of God’s perfectly timed direction.
🔍 In This Episode, Amanda Shares:
• How biblical archaeology can illuminate stories we thought we knew.
• The moment in graduate school when she realized something she’d believed her whole life wasn’t actually in Scripture — and how that experience shaped her calling.
• Why Christians shouldn’t fear questions… because God isn’t scared of them either.
• The danger of headlines, misinformation, and “clickbait Christianity” — and how we can anchor ourselves in truth.
• How her infertility journey and her time at Thomas Nelson unexpectedly opened the door to publishing.
• What it looks like to come home again as an adult… and how God continues to weave purpose into every season.
• The importance of slowing down, reading Scripture for ourselves, and not letting society’s pace replace depth with convenience.
• Her life-giving marriage story and the beautiful way Song of Solomon has anchored her and her husband through deep valleys and big moves.
⭐ Episode Highlights:
• “Don’t be afraid of hard questions — let them push you deeper into Scripture.”
• “Archaeology doesn’t exist to prove the Bible; it helps us contextualize it.”
• “Tradition is powerful… but tradition isn’t Scripture. Go back to the text.”
• “When the world moves fast, Christians have to choose to be countercultural in the way we pursue God.”
From Tennessee to Harvard to publishing… from infertility and healing to discovering where tradition hasn’t always matched Scripture… Amanda’s journey is powerful, eye-opening, and incredibly grounding.
Bio:
As the “Red-Haired Archaeologist”, Amanda Hope Haley teaches readers how archaeological discoveries illuminate the ancient world—both the people and places of the Bible--in new ways. When we first encounter the Bible, we are taught its stories--Adam and Eve, Moses and the Red Sea, David and Goliath, Jonah and the whale, and more. But when a story lacks the details we crave, we fill in the blanks--with what we've seen in movies, read in books, and been told by our Sunday school teachers. But there's a better way to encounter the whole story of Scripture: uncovering and understanding the ancient world and the people who experienced biblical events.
With an MTS in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard, Amanda Hope Haley is a lover of the Bible--its God, words, people, and history. Writing and speaking as the Red-Haired Archaeologist, she teaches how artifacts contextualize Scripture. She hopes to see Bible lovers work together to learn history, interpret Scripture, and apply God's Word to their lives. She contributed to The Voice Bible as a translator, writer, and editor, and she has been a collaborator for popular Christian authors.
Anchor Verses:
Song of Solomon/Songs 6:3
Connect with Amanda:
Website: https://redhairedarchaeologist.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/AmandaHopeHaley
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaHopeHaley/
Grab a free chapter and learn more at StonesStillSpeak.com.
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
Hey friends, welcome back to another episode of Anchored by the Sword Podcast! Today’s conversation is extra special because I’m recording in person with my friend, Destiny Tackett. Funny enough, Destiny and I met the way all great friendships begin… through a coffee shop that I’m basically a permanent resident of. They know my order so well that if I dare switch it up, the whole place goes into shock — but here we are.
Destiny is 24, a ministry graduate, a barista, and a young woman who carries the kind of story that reminds you just how faithful God is — even in the moments when life is loud, chaotic, and full of pain. She grew up in a very difficult home environment: seven siblings, a father who has been in prison her whole life, abuse from a step-parent, and years of coping with the only tools brokenness gives you. Her story is heavy, but it’s also overflowing with God’s redemption.
In this episode, Destiny shares how Jesus tugged on her heart at the end of high school — even while she was still partying, smoking weed, and trying to numb everything she’d lived through. She applied for ministry school while still feeling completely unqualified, yet God kept drawing her closer. College became the place where the Lord peeled back layers, exposed wounds that needed tending, and surrounded her with pastors, mentors, and friends who helped her walk into real freedom.
Destiny talks honestly about:
• Growing up in trauma and learning to name the pain
• Coping through food, alcohol, weed, and porn — and how Jesus met her right there
• Being willing to heal privately and publicly
• Becoming a light in a family full of sorrow and cycles
• Learning what it means to be God’s daughter
• Being an ambassador of hope in everyday conversations
• Wrestling through real-time grief as our world feels heavier by the day
We also talk about the events in our world recently — the violence, the tragedies, the overwhelming grief that many of us have felt so deeply. Destiny shares how the Lord has taught her to hold hope and grief together, and how remembering that we fight a real enemy actually anchors her heart in truth.
She reminds us that Jesus has overcome, He is still reigning, and He is near to the brokenhearted even when our emotions try to tell us otherwise.
This episode is such an encouragement for anyone who’s walking through heaviness — personal or global. Destiny’s story is a reminder that the gospel is not just a past event. It is active, alive, and holding us up in real time.
Be sure to share this episode with someone who needs hope today.
Bio:
Destiny Tackett is a young Christian in her twenties who is learning to walk out ministry and discipleship in the rhythms of everyday life. With a heart marked by vulnerability, Destiny is committed to embracing healing from past traumas and sorrows while inviting others to experience God’s nearness in their own stories.
Through her journey, Destiny has discovered a profound truth: the Lord has been present in every step, even in the moments when His hand felt hidden. Her life reflects a growing trust in a God who is unfailingly good, deeply loving, and righteous in all His ways. Destiny’s hope is to point others toward that same faithful God as she continues to grow, serve, and walk in obedience to His call.
Anchor Verses:
John 16:33
2 Corinthians 5:16–20
Philippians 1:6
Connect with Destiny:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1pZzGdVy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
Hey friends, welcome back to this episode of Anchored by the Sword Podcast. Today I’m sitting down with the incredible Rev. Beth Caulfield — pastor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and woman of God whose testimony is straight-up wild in the best way.
Beth has a beautiful new project coming out called “Conceivable,” a faith-based film that tells the real and raw story of her late-in-life pregnancy, her wrestling, the surprising emotions that surfaced, and the spiritual battles she faced both medically and within the church.
This movie was born out of Beth’s own journey — one filled with ministry, motherhood, seminary, shock, surrender, and the unmistakable leading of the Holy Spirit. Today we talk about the making of the film, what it was like to return to screenwriting later in life, and how God is using her story to spark conversations about faith, life, and calling in a complicated world.
Beth shares about:
• God’s unexpected adventures
• Writing a screenplay in her 50s
• Taking a faith-based film project onto a secular college campus
• Raising her family while raising ministries
• Her daughter’s surprise role in the film
• Her heart to help others step into Christian filmmaking
• How God uses every season — even the ones we didn’t choose
This conversation is honest, tender, surprising, and full of hope. I can’t wait for you to hear it.
Listen in and be encouraged — God is not done writing your story.
Bio:
Rev. Beth Caulfield is the writer, co-director and producer of the new film and movement: Conceivable. The movie is about a minister in midlife that has an unplanned pregnancy. The movement is about building community around compassionate conversation and saving lives. Conceivable reimagines the traditional streaming experience utilizing new generation technology. Offered more than a traditional streaming experience, viewers can watch exclusive PVOD events, join live meet-and-greets with directors, actors, and specialists, take part in discussions, and directly connect with filmmakers to host local screenings. More than just an audience, participants can also earn by sharing, promoting, or organizing screenings—transforming engagement into tangible reward and social connection.
Beth is an ordained Elder in the Global Methodist Church. She is a pastor, author, screenwriter, director, producer, actress and audio narrator. She is appointed by the GMC to a ministry of cinematic arts leadership and works ecumenically with people of faith worldwide to bring faith-based stories to the big screen.
She brings over twenty years of ministry experience, including pastoring local churches, denominational administration, prison ministry and Bible study leadership internationally.
Her BA from UPENN’s Annenberg School of Communications, MDIV from Drew Theological School and Fortune 50 corporate background also inform her filmmaking ministry. She follows God’s call to creating faith-based films understanding that movies profoundly influence people and culture.
Her first full-length feature film, Conceivable, premiered at the prestigious Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and is soon to be released to theaters and all digital platforms world-wide.
She lives in New Jersey where she and her husband Tom have raised their three children.
Anchor Verses:
Zechariah 4:6
John 10:10
Connect with Beth:
Website: https://www.conceivablethemovie.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bethcaulfield710
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/17UgdvXPdb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my friend Alexandra Hoover, author of the brand-new book You Can Let Go: Make Peace with Your Past, Break Free from Offense, and Move Forward with God, released in October.
Alex and I dive deep into her powerful story — from a childhood marked by trauma and instability to an encounter with Jesus at age 18 that completely changed the trajectory of her life. Today, she is a wife, mom of three, author, teacher, and a woman passionate about helping others walk in healing, identity, and freedom.
Her book cuts to the heart of something every single one of us wrestles with: offense, the ways it shapes us, hides in us, and tries to lead our lives until we finally let God address the roots.
This conversation is rich, honest, layered, and so needed — especially for women who are tired of carrying wounds they never asked for and stories they didn’t choose.
🌟 Episode Highlights:
• “Offense became a friend before I knew it.”
Alex shares how early pain, betrayal, and instability taught her to pick up offense long before she even knew the word for it.
• Offense is more than a feeling — it's a lens.She explains how offense can quietly become a copilot, shaping how we see ourselves, others, and even God.
• Healing is different from equipping.You Can Let Go isn’t just about what hurt us in the past — it’s about learning to walk equipped for the hurt that will come in the future.
• Offense leads to deeper struggles.Rejection, insecurity, jealousy, anger, and a critical spirit are often fruit of the deeper root of offense.
• The first step: admit the hurt.Alex talks about how naming the pain with God is the doorway to freedom.
• Boundaries vs. walls.
She breaks down how walls keep everyone out (even the good), but boundaries protect what is good and keep us operating in wisdom and freedom.
• Letting go even when closure never comes.
Alex shares the reality that she hasn’t gotten the fairy-tale closure with her parents — but she has gotten it with God.
• Practical signs we are picking offense back up.
Replay loops, insecurity, shifting into judgment, or needing to “position ourselves” are all red flags.
• Identity and letting go, go hand-in-hand.
The more secure we are in Christ, the less power others’ reactions, assumptions, or misunderstandings have over us.
❤️ Final Encouragement
“Jesus is still writing your story. Even in the confusing, disorienting places, He’s piecing things together in ways you can’t yet see. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is too hard for Him to redeem.”
Bio:
Alexandra Hoover is an accomplished and best-selling author, ministry leader, sought-after national speaker, and Bible teacher whose diverse roles showcase her unique blend of gifts and experiences. With a passion for inspiring others through her writing and teaching, she brings a profound depth of insight and compassion to her work. Alexandra's commitment to faith and her dynamic leadership make her a guiding light for those seeking spiritual growth and understanding.
She’s enrolled in Northern Seminary, pursuing her Master of Arts in Women and Theology. She’s a passionate teacher & preacher whose words spur people on to hope, healing, and mission.
She has the privilege of serving on staff at her local Church in Charleston, SC, and spends her days loving on her family and stewarding the gifts placed before her.
Anchor Verses:
Psalm 38
Matthew 17, 18
Connect with Alexandra
Website: https://www.alexandravhoover.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexandravhoover
FB: https://www.facebook.com/alexvhoover/
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Pamela Good, author of He Never Let Go. Pamela’s story is one of deep brokenness, redemption, and hope — a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God never lets go of our hand.
Once a fitness instructor and small business owner, Pamela’s life took many unexpected turns — from working in a maximum-security prison to returning to school at age 50. But it was through deep personal pain, family struggles, and years of healing that she learned what it truly means to live in the light of God’s love.
💬 Highlights from our conversation:
• Growing up in a home marked by mental illness and rejection — and how God planted seeds of faith early on.
• The moment Pamela hit rock bottom and heard God say, “Get up — I’ll show you the life you were meant to live.”
• How writing He Never Let Go brought healing, restoration, and forgiveness within her family.
• Learning to walk in true freedom and identity as a child of God.
• Encouragement for moms to face their own wounds so they don’t pass them to the next generation.
Pamela reminds us that healing doesn’t come quickly or easily, but when we surrender our pain to God, He writes beauty into every chapter of our story.
Bio:
Pamela Waggoner Good is on a mission to help others overcome Satan's strongholds, self-rejection, and feelings of unworthiness. She shows how faith in Jesus is stronger than those strongholds!
From a young age, Pamela faced unimaginable challenges, enduring a childhood marked by neglect, rejection, and emotional pain. Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged - a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As Pamela shares her story of resilience and redemption, she vividly recounts the harrowing moments that shaped her early years, painting a raw and honest portrait of the impact of emotional trauma and a way to heal and move forward.
Anchor Verses:
Psalms 23
Philippians 4:13
John 10:10
2 Timothy 1:7
Joshua 1:9
Connect with Pamela:
Website: http://pamelawaggonergood.com/
Book link: https://a.co/d/iDRYa3n
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Brittany Tinsley, author of Stories Our Scars Tell: Hope, Healing, and Honesty About the Wounds We Carry.
Brittany opens up about her journey through pain, faith, and healing — and how God transformed her deepest wounds into a message of redemption. From navigating mental health challenges to finding her identity in Christ, this conversation is real, raw, and full of hope.
💬 Highlights from our conversation:
• How Brittany found hope and healing after walking through self-harm and rejection.
• The importance of honesty and vulnerability in both faith and healing.
• What the Church is learning about mental health — and how we can do better.
• Why our scars can become powerful testimonies of God’s grace.
• The story behind Stories Our Scars Tell and how God led her to write it.
If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or wondered how your story could possibly be used for good — this episode will remind you that God redeems every wound and writes beauty into every scar.
📖 Stories Our Scars Tell is available wherever books are sold.
Bio:
Brittany Tinsley is a writer and speaker whose work explores the intersection of faith and mental health. Through honest, heartfelt storytelling, she invites others to find the hope baked into their own lives. Brittany is a contributing author of the Oxford Handbook of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and has written for HuffPost, (in)courage, and To Write Love on Her Arms. Brittany lives in Texas with her husband and their two daughters.
Anchor Verses:
Isaiah 59:1
1 Corinthians 15:58
Connect with Brittany:
Website: brittanytinsley.com.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/brittanytinsleywrites
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I sit down with Heather O’Brien — prophetic healing coach, minister, author, and speaker — to talk about her powerful journey of healing and freedom. Heather is the author of No Fear Allowed, a book that helps readers get free and stay free by identifying fear at its roots and learning how to walk in lasting wholeness with God.
Heather shares her story of transformation — from working as an accountant and walking through depression, emotional trauma, and fear, to learning how to hear God’s voice and helping others do the same. Through her healing journey, she experienced both physical and spiritual weight loss — shedding 100 pounds in her body and even more of the emotional and spiritual heaviness she was never meant to carry.
In this conversation, we talk about:
Heather reminds us that healing is a journey — not a destination — and that God meets us with mercy every single day. You’ll walk away from this episode encouraged to let go of fear, embrace your identity in Christ, and believe that no matter what you’ve walked through, you can be free.
You can find Heather’s book No Fear Allowed on Amazon or at heatherobrien.net and listen to her podcast Heal with Heather O’Brien wherever you get your podcasts.
💬 Episode Quote:
“Healing isn’t about perfection — it’s about partnership. God doesn’t just want to fix your pain; He wants to walk with you through it.” — Heather O’Brien
⚓️ Encouragement:
No matter what your story looks like, you’re never too far gone for God to redeem it. Freedom starts with one brave “yes.” So, take that next step — forgive, surrender, and let His love make you whole.
Bio:
Heather O’Brien is a prophetic healing coach, minister, author, and speaker. She helps Christians heal with God by hearing God's voice. She is the host of a top 2.5% globally ranked podcast, Heal with God. She believes with God's help, you can forgive the unforgivable & heal from trauma.
Anchor Verses:
Connect with Heather:
Website: https://heatherobrien.net
IG: https://www.instagram.com/healwithgodpodcast
FB: https://www.facebook.com/healwithgodpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healwithgodpodcast
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Oghosa Iyamu, author of Forever Welcomed: A Study of God’s Impartial Love for All.
Oghosa’s story is such a beautiful reminder that God sees us, knows us, and welcomes us — no matter where we come from. She shares about growing up in low-income housing, living through seasons of hardship, and how she encountered God’s miraculous and impartial love after college.
Through her journey with dyslexia and the belief that she “couldn’t do it,” Oghosa discovered how God uses our weaknesses as the very place where His strength shines brightest. What began as a study on James 2 in her local church became a powerful call to the Church today — to live out God’s impartial love in a culture obsessed with status, influence, and comparison.
We talk about:
• What it means to be forever welcomed by a God who sees us and calls us by name.
• How impartial love doesn’t ignore truth — it transforms how we live it out.
• Why the Church risks losing its greatest witness when we show favoritism.
• The freedom that comes when we stop viewing our weaknesses as disqualifications and start seeing them as divine invitations.
• How Jesus flipped cultural norms upside down and revealed God’s heart for all people — especially women who felt unseen or unworthy.
Oghosa reminds us that God’s love is both just and merciful — a love that welcomes us into His presence and calls us to extend that same welcome to others.
💬 Episode Quote:
“God’s impartial love not only welcomes us — it changes how we see ourselves and how we see others.” — Oghosa Iyamu
⚓️ Closing Reflection:
No matter your background, your struggles, or your story, you are seen. You are known. You are forever welcomed by the One who calls you by name and never stops pursuing your heart. 💙
Bio:
Oghosa Iyamu, the daughter of Nigerian parents, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and content creator passionate about sharing the life and mission of Jesus Christ. In addition to over twelve years in full-time ministry, Oghosa has studied at Dallas Theological Seminary, later graduating from Southwestern Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity degree. She has written for YouVersion, She Reads Truth, Lifeway, Radical (a ministry by David Platt), Lies Young Women Believe, and many other platforms. Oghosa resides in Atlanta, GA.
Anchor Verses:
Psalm 23:6
1 Corinthians 1:27
Romans 8: 35-39
Connect with Ochoa:
Website: https://oghosaiyamu.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/oghosaiiyamu
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/OghosaIyamu
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on Anchored by the Sword, I sit down with Dawn Cazedessus, the inspiring author of Trailer Park CEO. From growing up in poverty and pain to leading in corporate America, Dawn’s story is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t determine where God will take you.
Dawn shares how she went from her humble beginnings in a Louisiana trailer park to becoming a CEO, regional director, and author—using every hardship as a “stone” that helped her step into her God-given calling. Her book, Trailer Park CEO, teaches practical and biblical principles for leadership, growth, and endurance.
We talk about:
Dawn’s life and message are living proof that no matter where you begin, God can use every piece of your story for His glory.
🙌 Episode Quote:
“Even if you’re going through a failing moment, that doesn’t make you a failure. God is still writing your story.” —Dawn Cazedessus
⚓️ Closing Thought:
No matter what your “trailer park” season looks like, God is able to transform it into a story of redemption, influence, and purpose. Let this episode remind you that you are never too far gone, and it’s never too late for God to do something new.
Let’s stay anchored together, friends — and here’s to another story of God’s transforming power!
Bio:
Dawn Cazedessus is a God-made entrepreneur, businesswoman, and international speaker. After building a successful coffee shop franchise in Louisiana, she found a passion in real estate. As regional director of Keller Williams Realty International’s top performing Southeast Region, she oversees seventeen thousand realtors and speaks and coaches around the world. In her spare time, Dawn runs ultramarathons. She resides in Atlanta with her husband.
Anchor Verse:
Hebrews 12:1
Connect with Dawn:
Website: https://trailerparkceobook.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dawncazedessus/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dcazedessus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-cazedessus-3048a9126/
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
Three hundred episodes. Wow. When Anchored by the Sword first began, I never imagined we’d reach this milestone — yet here we are! In today’s special episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on all God has done through this ministry and this podcast.
From the early days of recording to seeing it now reach listeners across the world (with one of the top countries being at the very top of my bucket list to visit someday!), I’m in awe of how far He’s brought us.
This podcast has opened doors I never expected — including opportunities to speak, connect with incredible guests, and even appear as a movie extra! None of this would have been possible without God’s guidance and you — the community who continues to listen, share, and support the mission of helping people find hope and freedom in Christ.
Join me as we celebrate what God has done through these 300 episodes — and as we look ahead with expectation for what He’ll do in the next 300.
Here’s to staying anchored in Him, one story at a time. 💙
✨ Let’s go for another 300!
Episodes Discussed:
Episode 81 with Micah Hanson: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/anchoredbythesword/episodes/Micah-Hansons-Freedom-Story-e1mid7r/a-a75h1g8
Episode 221 with Sophie Hudson: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anchoredbythesword/episodes/Sophie-Hudsons-Freedom-Story-e2nvmoa
Connect with Me:
Email: gina@anchoredbythesword.org
Website: www.anchoredbythesword.org
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This is the final episode for season 17 and for the 200s! Today, I’m honored to welcome Jon Seidl, author of the brand-new book Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free — that released today!
Jon is no stranger to hard stories. You may know him from his first book, Finding Rest: Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life, where he opened up about his journey with OCD and anxiety. But in this conversation, Jon takes us even deeper into what he calls “Act Two” of his story — the part he never saw coming.
In today’s episode, Jon shares how a successful Christian author, husband, and father found himself face-to-face with alcoholism — and how God met him there in the mess. He talks about the shame, the hiding, the healing, and the radical grace that doesn’t leave us where it finds us.
This is a conversation about obedience that doesn’t always make sense, about following God even when it costs something, and about discovering that His grace truly is more radical than we ever imagined.
If you or someone you love is walking through addiction, shame, or the battle to be free — this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and that God’s redemption reaches all the way into our broken places.
Bio:
Jonathon M. Seidl (Jon) has been telling stories his whole life. In fact, he’s written over 10,000 of them, first after helping start a successful news website and then as the editor in chief of the popular nonprofit, I Am Second. He writes and speaks all across the country on the power of storytelling, radical vulnerability, faith, mental health, and addiction. He’s the author of the new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, a radically vulnerable story of being the Christian who became an alcoholic and his climb out of addiction and how others can break free from life’s entanglements. His previous book on anxiety, Finding Rest, instantly became a national bestseller.
He currently runs the popular daily devotional website, The Veritas Daily (theveritasdaily.com), where he writes on faith, culture, and addiction while also completing his master's in theological studies (Dec. 2025) from Southwestern Seminary (SWBTS).
In addition, he consults businesses, leaders, influencers, and nonprofits on how to tell their stories through his company, The Veritas Network. Originally from Wisconsin, he lives in Frisco, Texas with his wife, Brett, and their children, Annie and Jack.
Anchor Verses:
1 Corinthians 12: 7-10
Connect with Jon:
Book: https://www.jonseidl.com/confessions-of-a-christian-alcoholic-book
Website: christianalcoholic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathonmseidl
Substack: https://jonseidl.substack.com/
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
Friends, I’m so excited to welcome back a repeat guest to the podcast—Scarlet Hiltibidal! Scarlet first joined me back in 2022 (Episode 43), and today she’s here again to talk about her brand-new book releasing this week: Hopeful-ish: Sadness, Weariness, Donkey Attacks, More Sadness, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For.
So much has happened in Scarlet’s life since the last time we talked—moves, family changes, heartbreaking loss, and even unexpected joy. In this conversation, Scarlet shares honestly about walking through tragedy, wrestling with hopelessness, and clinging to the promises of God when life feels heavy. She talks about what it means to be “pressed but not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9), why Romans 15:13 has anchored her heart, and how the Lord shows up even when we feel distracted or weak.
We even dive into the story behind the donkey attack (yes, really!) and how something so wild points us back to the truth that staying close to Jesus is the only way to experience peace and joy in this world.
If you’ve been feeling weary, sad, or just weighed down by the last few years—you’re not alone. Scarlet’s story will remind you that God is faithful, His presence is real, and hope is a gift that comes from Him.
📖 Don’t forget to grab Scarlet’s new book Hopeful-ish when it releases this Wednesday!
Bio:
Scarlet Hiltibidal is the author of “Afraid of All the Things,” “You’re the Worst Person in the World,” “He Numbered the Pores on My Face,” and the “Anxious and Ashamed” Bible studies. She writes regularly for ParentLife Magazine, HomeLife Magazine, and She Reads Truth. Scarlet enjoys speaking to women around the country about the freedom and rest available in Jesus. She loves hanging out with her husband and four kids, eating nachos by herself, writing for her friends, and studying stand-up comedy with a passion that should be reserved for more important pursuits.
Anchor Verses:
2 Corinthians 4: 8-9
Romans 15:13
Connect with Scarlet:
Website: https://www.scarlethiltibidal.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/scarlethiltibidal/
First Podcast Episode with Scarlet:
Episode 43: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hT2v8oZboQq8FZ1t1RQyj
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
I am so excited to welcome Dr. Zoe Shaw to the podcast today! Back when I first started listening to podcasts, hers was one of the first I found, and I loved the wisdom and encouragement she shared. So, to have her here now, sharing her story and her brand-new book Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame (releasing next week!) feels like a full-circle moment.
Dr. Zoe is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and mom of five who has walked through her own deep journey with shame, identity, and healing. In this episode, she opens up about:
Her transparency and wisdom will encourage you to stop hiding, see yourself through God’s eyes, and believe that you can grow stronger in the difficult places.
Don’t forget—her new book Stronger in the Difficult Places releases next week!
Bio:
Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, author, speaker, podcast host, relationship coach, and proud mom of five. After fifteen years in traditional psychotherapy, Dr. Zoe left the therapy couch to create a more dynamic way to help women heal—blending the best of psychology, faith, and just the right dose of feminism. She’s best known in her field for coining the term “complex shame.” Through virtual coaching, programs, and her podcast Stronger in the Difficult Places, she guides women to break free from codependency and shame, and reclaim their voices, boundaries, and self-worth.
Anchor Verses:
Mark 9:24
Connect with Zoe:
Website: DrZoeShaw.com
Podcast: Stronger in the Difficult Places
Facebook: facebook.com/DrZoeShaw
Instagram: instagram.com/drzoeshaw
YouTube: youtube.com/@dr.zoeshawtalks
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Tricia Thornton, author of the brand-new book Beyond Blessed Parenting: Embrace These Seven Principles and Experience Authentic Connection.
Tricia brings both professional and personal wisdom into this conversation. She’s a licensed therapist, wife, and mom of two, and she knows firsthand the weight that parents are carrying in today’s world. In this episode, we talk about:
Her own story of finding freedom after childhood trauma and how it shaped her calling
The power of silence, listening, forgiveness, and balance in parenting
Why authentic connection—not perfection—is what every child really needs
How fear can imprint on us and how faith anchors us through it
Practical tools for parents (and really, for anyone) to create connection in a noisy, distracted world
Even if you’re not a parent, you’ll find encouragement here. Tricia reminds us that we can choose presence over perfection and lean into God’s promises when life feels overwhelming.
Bio:
Tricia Thornton is a native of Atlanta, GA. She completed her B.S. in Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University. Upon earning her M.A. in Counseling at Denver Seminary, she went on to become a certified School Counselor K-12, also from Vanderbilt University. Tricia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and owns a private practice serving children and parents. She also is a public speaker to various groups. While not writing and working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their white German Shepherd in Nashville, TN.
Anchor Verses:
Psalm 91:4
Connect with Tricia:
Website: https://www.triciathornton.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/triciathorntontherapy
FB: https://m.facebook.com/triciathorntontherapy/
💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on this Saturday will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ General Admission $25, $10 for afternoon session only, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
Rachael Groll is back on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast! The last time she joined us was September 7, 2021, and today she returns with a brand-new book: Knowing God’s Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting and Obeying God (releasing today!).
In this conversation, Rachael shares how God has been moving in her life since her last visit, including her daughter’s new season of global missions, the call to release and trust, and her passion for helping women discern the voice of God in a noisy world.
We dive into:
• Why it matters to study the female prophets of the Bible
• The difference between conviction and condemnation when it comes to hearing God
• How obedience sharpens our ability to recognize God’s voice
• Rachael’s new ministry opportunities, including a unique Bible study experience in Rome
• The vulnerability of writing a book and trusting God with the words He gives
This episode will encourage you to lean into God’s presence, recognize His leading, and walk boldly in obedience.
Bio:
Rachael Groll is an author, certified life coach, missionary, and podcaster with a heart for sharing Jesus with anyone who will listen. She has served in various full-time ministry capacities both locally and globally, including starting outreach programs for women, creating curriculum, teaching, and speaking. Her podcast, Hearing Jesus, has remained on the Top 30 list for Christian Podcasts in the US for the last year and ranks in the top 0.5% percent of all podcasts globally. She holds a BA in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University and an MA in Bible exposition/theology from Biola University/Talbot School of Theology.
Anchor Verse:
John 17:3
Matthew 28: 18-20
Connect with Rachael:
Website: https://www.rachaelgroll.com
Bible Study Live Trip: https://shehears.org/bsl
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hearing-jesus-bible-study-daily-devotional-scripture/id1615623952
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll
FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16vDRjWeoh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Email: rachael@shehears.org
Previous ABTS episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anchored-by-the-sword/id1556212826?i=1000534523947
💥 Bonus: We only have a few extra goodies left for people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Elena Huggins, author of Untwist Me: Uncomplicated Life-Hacks for Mental & Emotional Liberation, to explore her incredible journey of healing, freedom, and finding God in the midst of trauma. Elena, originally from Ukraine, experienced a life of emotional and mental struggles that ultimately led her to rediscover God in a radical way.
From living a wild life and battling deep depression in her youth, to overcoming sexual assault, narcissistic abuse, and even a traumatic divorce, Elena shares how God met her in her darkest moments. After battling with new age practices and feeling stuck, she encountered God's life-changing freedom in an unexpected way — during a 21-day fast in her living room.
Elena's story is not only about surviving trauma, but how her pursuit of Jesus led her to be completely transformed. In this episode, we talk about:
Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to walk in the freedom God has for you.
Bio:
Elena Huggins is a passionate communicator who desires to inspire, challenge, and empower her audience to make the changes they need to live better lives. She is a lover of Jesus, a musician, and an entrepreneur.
Over the last eighteen years, Elena has spoken across a variety of stages to different audiences using a straightforward approach, unapologetic challenges, and biblical truths.
She is devoted to the Gospel and seeing God's people strengthened, free and more in love with Jesus.
She has had much experience in the area of mental and emotional health, with her journey to overcoming trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Her experience includes: working with trafficked victims, working at the rape crisis center, endless one-on-one coaching sessions, and pastoral care.
She resides in the mountains with her two beautiful daughters.
Anchor Verses:
Isaiah 60: 1-2 (AMP)
Connect with Elena:
Website: https://www.elenahuggins.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/itselenahuggins/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Elenatalks
💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
I’m so excited for today’s conversation with Sophia Ruffin-Wilson! Her brand-new book, It Will Be God: Live in the Jaw-Dropping Realities of God’s Goodness, just released today, and she came by the podcast to share her powerful story and the heart behind this message.
Sophia knows what it means to be radically transformed by Jesus. From a past marked by brokenness to a life filled with purpose and freedom, she has experienced God’s deliverance and goodness firsthand. In this episode, we talk about:
Sophia reminds us that even in the hardest valleys, God is faithful — and His goodness will always have the final say.
📚 Grab It Will Be God today wherever books are sold!
Bio:
Sophia Ruffin-Wilson is an influencer, author, creator, and prophetic voice whose message of deliverance and transformation has resonated powerfully around the world. Under the leadership of John Eckhardt, she is the founder of the CBK (Comeback Kid) Squad, CCL (Company of Copacetic Leaders), Speaker Speak, and Ready Writer Connection. A popular keynote speaker and media guest, she speaks extensively around the world and has appeared on The 700 Club, The Word Network, TCT network, and more. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Anchor Verse:
Romans 8:28
Psalm 139:16
Connect with Sophia:
Website: https://sophiaruffin.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yagirl_soph
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaRuffinGlobal/
💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
This week on Anchored by the Sword, I’m joined by Jody Allen, author of the book, Hidden Heartache. Jody bravely shares her story of walking through her husband’s pornography addiction, a painful separation, and ultimately divorce — and how God met her in the middle of her deepest heartbreak.
We talk about:
Jody reminds us that God can redeem even the stories we never wanted to live, and that wholeness is possible no matter how broken your heart has been.
Bio:
Jody is a North Carolina girl who enjoys board games, peanut butter, Sunday naps, and a good mystery. She’s the mom of young adult twins and a geriatric black lab named Lucy. Whether writing or speaking, Jody considers it a privilege to use her words to speak into the lives of others. She serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at her church, where she offers hope and a little dose of humor to women in her church and community.
Jody released her first book, Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, in 2024. In her decade of ministry, she has taught workshops, led small groups, spoken at women’s events, and walked alongside women in crisis. Jody’s goal is to point people to Jesus in a relatable and authentic way.
Jody enjoys Sunday afternoon naps, a good laugh, mint chocolate chip ice cream and home cooked meals that someone else cooks. Most days you can find her procrastinating or still trying to master the skill of parking her car straight.
Anchor Verses:
Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 3:5
Romans 8:1
Connect with Jody:
Website: jodyallenwrites.com
Order Hidden Heartache on Amazon here.
First four chapters of Hidden Heartache.
Facebook: Jody Allen Writes
Instagram: Jody Allen Writes
💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
In this special episode of the Anchored by the Sword podcast, Christa Crookston returns to share an update on her powerful story. Since her last visit, Christa has walked through the unimaginable—becoming a widow and facing her fourth cancer diagnosis.
Yet, in the middle of grief, physical battles, and uncertainty, Christa continues to hold onto her faith in a God who never lets go.
You’ll hear:
• How Christa has found hope and strength in the face of repeated trials
• What she’s learned about trusting God when the pain doesn’t stop
• A sneak peek of what she’ll be sharing at the Anchored in Hope: Finding Your Purpose in Your Pain women’s workshop on Saturday, September 20, 2025
Christa’s story is raw, real, and overflowing with the reminder that God’s light can still break through the darkest seasons.
Bio:
Christa Crookston, a beacon of resilience and faith, has faced adversity with unwavering determination. As a four-time cancer survivor and widow of her beloved husband Dave, she draws strength from her role as a mother of six. Embracing holistic healing approaches, Christa navigates her journey with hope and resilience, guided by her unwavering faith in God. Alongside her late husband, she co-founded Crookston Candles, a testament to their shared passion for craftsmanship and beauty. Through her personal journey and business endeavors, Christa inspires others to find hope, reminding us all that faith and love can conquer any challenge.
Anchor Verses:
Psalm 121: 1-2
Psalm 23
Connect with Christa:
Website: https://a-crookston-creation.company.site
IG: https://www.instagram.com/crookston_candles/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089513095430
🎟 Join us at the Anchored in Hope Workshop
📅 September 20, 2025 | 📍 The One Center for Leadership, Canton, OH
Tickets & details: https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***
In this episode of Anchored by the Sword, I’m joined by the ever-delightful and deeply insightful Margaret Feinberg— author of the new book The God You Need to Know (with a companion study guide coming soon).
Margaret shares her lifelong passion for Scripture and how she approaches it with both a scholar’s curiosity and a heart for real-life application. We talk about:
Margaret brings humor, honesty, and powerful biblical insights to help you grow in your relationship with Holy Spirit. Whether you’ve known Him for years or you’re just beginning to explore who He is, this conversation will inspire you to walk with God in fresh, life-giving ways.
Bio:
Margaret Feinberg, one of America’s most beloved Bible teachers, speaks at churches and conferences and hosts the popular podcast The Joycast. Her books and Bible studies, including Taste and See and More Power to You, have sold more than one million copies and received critical acclaim and national media coverage from the Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and more. She was named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today. Margaret savors life with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Zoom.
Anchor Verses:
Genesis 1:1-2
So many examples of Holy Spirit’s presence before Acts!
Connect with Margaret:
Website: https://margaretfeinberg.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mafeinberg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margaretfeinberg/
New Book, The God You Need to Know: The God You Need to Know
💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!
📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating
https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain
***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***