270 episodes
Finding Something Real Janell Wood
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- Education
Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your day-to-day, do big existential questions ever pop in- you know- things like, “Why am I here? How did all this get here? What happens after I die?” “Is there a God and is there really meaning to all this?” ”What’s so special about Jesus Christ?”
We’ve all experienced deep longing for something this world can’t seem to satisfy.
Even someone as wildly successful as Taylor Swift knows that to be true. “I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time...” She said, “and I remember thinking afterwards, ’Oh my god, that was all you wanted!... That was all you focused on. You get to the mountaintop and look around and you’re like... what now?”
If you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the different voices yelling for your affections- telling you what to go after- whether it be success, beauty, the perfect partner, social media followers, money, or power… only to leave you let down and unsatisfied, searching for more… Maybe like my friends and me, you’re after finding something REAL.
Every week, join me (Janell Wood), special co-hosts and guests as we ask questions, look for answers, and search for the source of something REAL: Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love. I believe those things can ultimately be found in relationship with Jesus Christ, but don’t take my word for it. Listen to our conversations for yourself and go on a journey with us: Is Jesus the REAL thing?
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Jesus Loves Me, This I Know with Bob Luhn
Happy Wednesday! Today Bob Luhn is joining us on the podcast. This is the third in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. In this episode, special guest, Pastor Bob Luhn, shares about God's love and answers some of Lizzy's questions about trust and why He believes God even when life is difficult. He opens up about suffering and the devastating loss of his beloved grandson last year.
Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of questions about God, identity, and purpose. She is a very curious person and is someone who often takes things literally. She admits she struggles with anxiety and wonders why God pursues her when it's hard for her to trust Him. She says she's sensed Him trying to get her attention but is unsure about having experienced His love. Lizzy and Janell have known each other for seven years.
We hope you enjoy this week's episode!
About Bob Luhn
Robert Luhn is an ordained minister and pastored for many years at the Church of the Nazarene in Othello, Washington.
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Links:
Is God's Love for Real? And if so, Why does He Love Me?
Doubt, Desires, Imperfect People and Love? with A.J. Swoboda
FSR YouTube Page
FSR Patron
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Doubt, Desires, Imperfect People and Love? with A.J. Swoboda
This is the second in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. In this episode, special guest, A.J. Swoboda, shares his newest book, and we cover topics including questions about identity, love, desire, doubt, and criticism from within the Church. Lizzy is a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of questions about God, identity, and purpose. She is a very curious person and is someone who often takes things literally. She admits she struggles with anxiety and wonders why God pursues her when it's hard for her to trust Him. She says she's sensed Him trying to get her attention but is unsure about having experienced His love.
We hope you enjoy today's episode!
About A.J. Swoboda:
A.J. Swoboda (Ph.D., Birmingham) is an associate professor of Bible and Theology at Bushnell University and lead mentor for the Doctor of Ministry Program on Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Friends University. He is the author of many books, including The Gift of Thorns (Zondervan), After Doubt (Brazos), and the award-winning Subversive Sabbath (Brazos). He hosts the “Slow Theology” podcast (w/ Dr. Nijay Gupta) and writes the widely read “Low-Level Theologian” Substack. A.J. lives and works on an urban farm with his wife and son in Eugene, Oregon.
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Links:
FSR YouTube Page
"How to Question Faith Without Losing It" with A.J Swoboda
The Gift of Thorns
Richard Dawkins Video
FSR Patron
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Is God's Love for Real? And if so, Why does He Love...Me?
This is the first in a series of episodes dedicated to a young woman named Lizzy. This first episode was recorded last winter. Lizzy is currently a college student from Chelan, Washington. Lizzy grew up in a loving Christian home but has a lot of questions about God, identity, and purpose. She is a very curious person and is someone who often takes things literally. She admits she struggles with anxiety and wonders why God pursues her when it's hard for her to trust Him. She says she's sensed Him trying to get her attention but is not sure about having experienced His love. Lizzy and Janell have known each other for seven years.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@findingsomethingreal
https://www.patreon.com/findingsomethingreal
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Why keep sharing Jesus if people know about Him already?
Happy Wednesday!
This is the twelfth and final episode in a series dedicated to special co-host and Janell's niece, Noelle. Instead of the usual interview format, Janell shares some of the highlights from recording 10 episodes with Noelle, talks about the Patreon episode Noelle and Janell recorded at the end of April together, and shares an open letter to Noelle, talking about regrets, love, Jesus, and sharing Him with others. Stay tuned for next week's episode when the next co-host for FSR will be officially introduced.
We hope you enjoy this week's episode!
About Janell Wood:
Janell has been a Christian for most of her life but has a deep passion for those struggling with faith. She's been through her wondering, wandering, hurting, and doubting seasons. With a Masters-level education in Counseling Psychology, a passion for apologetics, a background in advocacy for women in crisis, and communication skills gained from 20 years of "'til death do us part," Janell has found just one who has the answers. His name is Jesus. True Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love belong to Him. And she loves to share and talk about what’s REAL with others, whether it's one-on-one with young women on her podcast, or when speaking for a Christian audience or those outside the Church.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
Visit the Finding Something REAL Youtube channel!
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Links:
Noelle's First episodeNoelle & DrewNoelle & XandraNoelle & DougNoelle & J, Warner Wallace
Noelle & Jeannine Hanger
Noelle & Abdu Murray
Noelle & Lindsey Medenwaldt
Finding Something Real Speaking Page
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How to we Build Bridges even when we Disagree? with Lindsey Medenwaldt
Happy Wednesday! Today Lindsey Medenwaldt is joining the podcast!
This is the eleventh episode in a series dedicated to special co-host, Noelle. In this episode, host Janell Wood and guest Lindsey Medenwaldt discuss how to bridge the divide between Christians and non-Christians and have meaningful conversations. They explore the importance of building relationships, being good listeners, and sharing the gospel with love and respect. Lindsey shares insights from her book, 'Bridge Building Apologetics,' and emphasizes the need for Christians to be prepared to give a defense for their faith. They also address the question of why Christians make it their job to tell others about Jesus and the importance of knowing God through Scripture and prayer. Lindsey explains why prayer is a foundational aspect of bridge building apologetics. Prayer helps calm the mind, recall information, and seek guidance in conversations. She emphasizes the importance of active prayer life and being in constant conversation with God. Towards the end of the episode, Janell introduces the next co-host (hi Lizzy!) who will be joining the podcast for conversations soon.
We hope you enjoy this week's episode!
About Lindsey Medenwaldt
Lindsey Medenwaldt is the Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, and she’s our resident worldview and world religion specialist. She has a master’s degree in apologetics and ethics from Denver Seminary, as well as a master’s in public administration and a law degree. She wrote Bridge-Building Apologetics, which will be released in May 2024 (Harvest House). She’s an editor and author for the Christian Research Journal, an editor for Women in Apologetics, and a member of the Pelican Project. She has also contributed to various writing projects, including a chapter about the Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Popular Handbook of World Religions (Harvest House 2021). Lindsey and her husband, Jay (who is also an apologist), have been married for 16 years. They live with their daughters in Iowa. In her spare time, Lindsey loves watching British reality television, especially The Great British Baking Show, and she’s an avid reader (Jay and Lindsey have an at-home library of more than 2,500 books!).
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
Visit the Finding Something REAL Youtube channel!
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Links:
Noelle's First episodeNoelle & DrewNoelle & XandraNoelle & DougNoelle & J, Warner Wallace
Noelle & Jeannine Hanger
Noelle & Abdu Murray
Why Christianity? with Lindsey Medenwaldt
REPLAY: Why Christianity? with Lindsey Medenwaldt
Do Christians and LDS Believe The Same Thing?
REPLAY: Do Christians and LDS Believe The Same Thing?
Is the Enneagram Scientific Progress or Regress? Jay Medenwaldt
Mama Bear Apologetics
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Why Become a Christian When Your Current Worldview Seems Fine? with Abdu Murray
Happy Wednesday! Today Abdu joins Noelle and Janell!
This is the tenth episode in a series dedicated to special co-host, Noelle. Abdu Murray joins Noelle, Janell, and special guest, Signe, for a conversation about his journey from being a proud Muslim to becoming a Christian. Abdu talks about the importance of love and treating people with dignity and kindness. He shares the challenges he's faced within his family and community due to his decision to embrace Christianity. Abdu emphasizes the need to separate a person from their ideas and see each person as intrinsically valuable even when disagreements occur. He shares about the fulfillment he found in Jesus and how becoming a Christian was not something he initially desired but a decision he made out of intellectual honesty. He talks about the purpose of the Christian faith not being about achieving happiness, but instead finding fulfillment, joy, and knowledge of God.
We hope you enjoy today's episode!
About Abdu Murray
Abdu Murray offers the credibility of the gospel message as a speaker and writer with Embrace the Truth. He has authored several books including Saving Truth, Grand Central Question, Apocalypse Later, and the forthcoming More than a White Man’s Religion. For most of his life, Abdu was a proud Muslim until a nine-year historical, philosophical, theological, and scientific investigation pointed him to the Christian faith. Abdu has spoken to diverse international audiences and has participated in debates and dialogues across the globe. Abdu holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Abdu lives in the Detroit, Michigan area with his wife and their three children.
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We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in supporting the Finding Something REAL fundraising campaign, you can head to the webpage and click on the orange donate button.To learn more about Faithful Counseling and if it is a good fit for you, you can click here!If you would like to receive Janell’s 7 Deep Faith Questions resource click here!
Visit the Finding Something REAL Youtube channel!
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Links:
Noelle's First episodeNoelle & DrewNoelle & XandraNoelle & DougNoelle & J, Warner Wallace
Noelle & Jeannine Hanger
Embrace The TruthAbdu Murray - YouTube”Was Jesus Raised from the Dead?”Grand Central Question - Abdu MurraySaving Truth - Abdu MurrayMore Than a White Man’s Religion - Abdu Mu
Questions Christianity Answers with Abdu Murray
REPLAY: Questions Christianity Answers with Abdu Murray
What Happens When You Embrace the Truth about Jesus Christ? with Abdu Murray
Christianity: Is it helpful? Is it good? with Abdu Murray