Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! If you are new here, welcome! I’m Jan Johnson, your host. I’m glad you’re joining us and I hope that by the end of this show you feel encouraged and strengthened. Today is December 30, 2025, and as it’s the end of the year and a beginning of a new year, I wanted to start doing one episode a month that is more of a round table discussion on a topic. So, this episode is the beginning of that. Joining me today are my daughter Sister Mercy...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! In this episode of Just Talking About Jesus, host Jan Johnson meets with Kim Oswalt to hear her heartfelt testimony about discovering faith during her teenage years in Utah. Despite her family's irregular church attendance, Kim's journey took off when a move prompted a deeper connection to God through a local church community. Her story highlights the value of youth groups and finding mentors who inspire bold, everyday faith. Kim...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! In this episode of Just Talking About Jesus, author Teresa Abell Haynes shares her lifelong walk with the Lord—from childhood prayers on the school bus to the deep faith that carried her through life’s hardest seasons. Theresa reveals the fascinating research journey behind her novel The Queen’s Priest, a powerful story of integrity and courage inspired by the real-life martyr Thomas Abell, a man who stood for truth against King Henry VIII. We exp...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! In this podcast episode, Virginia Heslinga recounts a life-altering event from her childhood: a devastating house fire that led to loss and trauma. Despite this, Virginia's journey is a testament to faith and resilience. She reflects on an experience where an angelic presence aided her during the fire and explores how this shaped her belief in God's protective nature. Through decades of teaching and mentoring, Virginia gradually ...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Terry Whalen about his transformative faith journey. Growing up in the church, Terry initially believed he understood Christianity, but it was during his college years at Indiana University that his perspective shifted significantly. After a profound encounter with a fellow student, a visit to a small bookstore, and a commitment to read the Bible, Terry's faith deepened, leading him to join the Wycliffe Bible Translators. His exp...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! In this podcast episode, David Scott joins host Jan to discuss his remarkable life journey, from his turbulent past in the restaurant industry to finding solace and redemption through faith. David reflects on being raised by a nurturing family of strong women who instilled valuable perspectives. Despite his past struggles with alcoholism and drug dealing, David found his calling in the culinary world. Now sober and rooted in fait...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Brenda Savanhu’s journey has spanned continents and cultures. She spent her early years between England and Zimbabwe, before moving to the United States at the age of 18. From a young age, Brenda was an avid reader, finding comfort and inspiration in the pages of Nancy Drew mysteries and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. Brenda’s faith story is one of rediscovery. Though she first encountered Jesus as a ...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Lavaudus Scott's Facebook Spotify - Lavaudus YouTube of this episode YouTube of Lavaudus' Albums Link to prior episode with Lavaudus and his wife Liz In this gripping podcast episode, Lovatta Scott shares his harrowing experience with cannabis that turned a peaceful night into chaos, resulting in a tragic car accident. Despite facing potential jail time and losing his job, Lavaudus emerges stronger with the support of his wife and community....

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! In this episode of Just Talking About Jesus, Jai Raza shares his incredible journey from a cultural Christian upbringing to exploring New Age spirituality. Jai candidly discusses his struggles, including a life-altering moment when he contemplated suicide. Thanks to divine intervention through a friend’s timely phone call, Jai chose to seek the supernatural light he experienced that night. This pivotal moment set him on a path to...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! My guest, Lauren Burns, host of "The Redeemed Podcast," is no stranger to adversity. Kidnapped at the age of seven and taken to Jordan by her father, Lauren’s journey of escape and survival became national news and was even adapted into a made-for-television movie. Today, Lauren uses her platform to share stories of hope and redemption with her listeners. As an advocate for faith and second chances, she believes that every story—no mat...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! From repeated suicide attempts, God continued to say, "No, I have a plan for you." In this episode of 'Just Talking about Jesus,' guest Bartholomew James shares his powerful journey from a troubled childhood to finding faith and redemption. Growing up in foster care, he was exposed to various belief systems without a stable foundation. His life spiraled through addiction, culminating in multiple overdoses and a near-death experience. B...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Parker Whitsett shares his powerful testimony of finding faith while facing the consequences of addiction and incarceration. Despite growing up in a Christian household, he strayed from his beliefs, leading to a life of substance abuse and imprisonment. While in jail, Parker rediscovered Jesus, and the forgiveness found in scripture. Support from family and friends played a crucial role in his spiritual transformation, reminding ...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Carl and Shirley Yates share their powerful stories of faith and redemption in this episode of Just Talking About Jesus. Both with roots in Christian homes, they found themselves straying before being drawn back to their faith. Their journey led them to a unique ministry focused on incarcerated individuals where they share unconditional love and the message of salvation. Through Bill Glass's Weekend of Champions events, they disc...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! 5ampodcast.com In this podcast episode, guest Michael Klassen shares his journey of faith and testimony of God's perfect timing in life. Growing up in a Christian home, Michael learned about God's faithfulness through personal experiences and the people he met. He tells poignant stories of how prayers were answered at the right moment, including a man's transformation at a carpet store and a divine encounter with a young refugee.  ...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Link to Zoom class: Why Did God Become Human? And Why It Matters! In this engaging podcast episode, Margaret Eklund reflects on her transition from a 48-year nursing career to a fulfilling retired life focused on faith and family. She shares the peace she's found in not being dictated by work schedules and being more present in life. Margaret discusses how her faith has played a pivotal role during challenging times, such as the simult...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! What happens when you say “yes” to God’s call, even when it leads far beyond your comfort zone? In this episode of Just Talkin’ About Jesus, Deanne Johnson shares her journey from a quiet life in Phoenix to unexpected adventures in Germany and South Africa through Young Life ministry. Deanne opens up about the joys and challenges of mentoring teens, the power of simple obedience, and the beauty of spiritual motherhood when God whispers, “These a...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! In this episode of 'Just Talking About Jesus,' youth pastor Kellen Peterson shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a leader in ministry. Kellen recounts how his early rebelliousness eventually led him to a role where he could make a meaningful impact. He emphasizes the importance of showing empathy and compassion, particularly to those on the fringes. Kellen reflects on the challenges that today's youth face, ...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! YouTube. https://youtu.be/JARffJn5bKY In this episode, Rob Linton shares his unique life journey from a childhood as a missionary kid in Papua and Indonesia to becoming an engineer with a passion for classic cars and motorcycles. Living on a farm in Washington, Rob and his wife enjoy traveling. The episode explores Rob’s significant life experiences, including a near-fatal car accident that deepened his faith, and a daring motor...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! YouTube episode In this engaging podcast episode, Nigerian author and podcaster Faith Ajiga shares her unique journey of overcoming challenges and crafting captivating stories. Despite being blind, Faith employs screen readers to navigate the digital world and bring her literary visions to life. Her passion for political, military, and crime thrillers is deeply rooted in her academic background in peace studies and conflict resolution. ...

Send me a text and let me know your thoughts! Link: Fr. Stanley Rother In this delightful episode, Sister Mercy returns to share her eventful summer escapades. From fishing expeditions with her father to driving tractors filled with nostalgia, Sister Mercy finds joy in the simplest of adventures. Listeners are regaled with tales of battling massive sturgeons and panning for gold on a tourist train. Despite the joys of the season, her spiritual devotion remains unwavering a...