The White Stones Podcast

Dr. J McCleese
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  • Christendom

What happens when a Christian becomes a psychologist and sex therapist? That's not the setup to a bad joke. It's the start of a daring leap into the messy conversations that matter most — ones intended to point you to the life-changing power of Jesus. Dr. Jessica McCleese (Dr. J) has spent nearly two decades sitting with real people navigating trauma, shame, and sexual brokenness. Most of them have been Christians — people searching for practical answers that actually align with their faith and the Word of God. Therapy can help, but Dr. J is the first to say it: the only true healing comes from Christ. In a world that preaches freedom of choice and crowns personal truth as supreme, Dr. J invites her listeners into the tension rather than away from it, pointing to Jesus with both truth and love. Rooted in the book of Revelation, the name White Stones speaks to the intimate, personal relationship each believer can have with Christ. That spirit of honest, personal encounter shapes every conversation on this show. Each episode weaves Dr. J's clinical expertise together with the lived authority of her guests — people whose stories of trauma, shame, and broken sexuality reveal God's redemptive work in ways unique to each individual, yet consistent with His character as a good God. Together, they tackle the hard stuff with unashamed honesty and the audacious hope that Jesus truly makes all things new. If you're looking for a space where faith is deeply rooted, refreshingly honest, and genuinely practical — you're home. Grab your coffee and let's go.

  1. 2 dgn geleden

    Ep12: The God Who Sees Trauma Without Looking Away

    The lie that God only sees your pain and does nothing can leave you feeling abandoned, bitter, and spiritually stuck. In this episode Dr. J shares how she wrestled with the question of God seeing all and not intervening, and shows why Scripture’s picture of God is far more personal, present, and healing than many of us first believe. Built from a reflection on her conversation with Michelle Worthing, this episode goes straight into trauma, forgiveness, and the long road from survival to freedom. If you’ve ever wondered how to trust God after abuse, how to make sense of unanswered pain, or why “forgive and forget” can wound more than it heals, this one will meet you right where you are. You’ll discover: Why a simplistic view of forgiveness can burden trauma survivorsHow childhood abuse can distort your understanding of God’s goodnessWhat Hagar’s story in Genesis reveals about being seen, known, and not abandonedWhy “El Roi”—the God who sees me—becomes more than a comforting phraseHow God’s presence, comfort, justice, and grace hold together without minimizing pain Dr. J also connects her own healing journey with Michelle’s testimony, showing how therapy, community, and wise counsel matter, but cannot replace the deeper healing that comes from Christ himself. She revisits the Scriptures that declare God will never leave or forsake His people and asks the question at the heart of faith: What kind of God would enter our suffering, carry our sin, and still call us loved? This is an episode for anyone carrying trauma, anyone trying to reconcile faith with pain, and anyone who needs a fresh reminder that being seen by God is not passive—it is active compassion. If you need hope that your suffering is not invisible and your life is not beyond redemption, press play.

  2. 28 aug

    Ep11: When Healing Comes Through The Wounds

    Wounding does not get the final word! Michelle shares the kind of testimony that changes how you see trauma, healing, and the quiet ways that God keeps showing up when life has been shattered again and again. From a childhood marked by abuse, instability, foster care, and fear, to a life shaped by psychology, counseling, marriage, adoption, and inner healing prayer, Michelle tells the story of how faith became real - not as a theory, but as survival, rescue, and restoration. If you have ever wondered whether God can meet you inside the most painful parts of your story, this conversation will meet you there. You’ll hear about: the childhood moments that planted the first seed of faithsurviving a head-on collision with a semi truck and what happened in the days afterthe complicated path from Jesus to Father God to Holy Spirithow trauma, memory, and body-based pain can surface years laterwhy inner healing models like Theophostic and Sozo Prayer changed her approach to recoverythe difference between forgiveness and reconciliationwhat it means to keep moving toward God when your instinct is to runMichelle also opens up about the realities of complex trauma, the long shadow of sexual abuse, and the hard-won wisdom she has gained as both a survivor and a trauma counselor.  Dr. J. brings thoughtful questions from a clinical perspective, creating a conversation that bridges faith, psychology, and the messy middle where healing actually happens.This episode matters because so many people are carrying pain they have never named, memories they do not know how to process, or faith wounds that make God feel unsafe. Michelle’s story offers a different invitation - that running to God, not away from him, is where safety begins. Essential listening if you need hope, if you work with trauma, or if you have ever asked whether God can still be good in the middle of suffering. This conversation is honest, deeply human, and full of the kind of truth that stays with you long after it ends.

  3. 21 aug

    Ep10: My Heart Behind This Podcast

    The advice to "just affirm and move on" is failing people who are desperate for real healing. In this episode, Dr. J explains why she started this podcast, why her work as a Christian psychologist puts her at odds with modern therapy culture, and where people can actually find hope, truth, and change. Dr. J opens up about her own trauma history, the calling that led her into psychology, and the moment she realized the field was drifting away from biblical conviction. She also reflects on her brother, Jeremy's, testimony and why stories of redemption matter so much when you're trying to help someone find freedom. You'll discover: Why Dr. J believes psychology has lost its way on sexuality, identity, and evidence-based careHow her own sexual abuse history shaped the kind of therapist she becameWhy she sees testimony as more than inspiration - it's a lifeline for people who need proof that healing is possibleWhat she thinks the mental health world keeps missing about sin, suffering, and transformation Dr. J also lays out several resources for anyone trying to understand or support someone wrestling with LGBTQ identity or sexual brokenness, including Piercing the Night, Changed Movement, Revive Traveling Ministry, the Queered Out documentary, and Therapy First. Each one offers a different lens - prayer, testimony, ministry, or research - for people who want more than slogans. If you've ever felt torn between faith and psychology, if you love someone who is searching for freedom, or if you need a reminder that God still changes lives, this episode gives you both the big picture and a place to start. Essential listening for Christians, counselors, parents, and anyone longing for hope that doesn't compromise truth.

  4. 14 aug

    Ep 9: From Lukewarm to Fully Committed

    If you have ever wondered whether God can still reach someone after addiction, sexual trauma, and deep spiritual brokenness, this conversation will grab you by the heart. Dr. J sits down with her oldest brother, Jeremy, for a raw testimony of restoration, identity, and the kind of encounter with Jesus that changes everything.Jeremy opens up about walking away from faith after their dad's death, spiraling into drugs, surviving a suicide attempt, and then meeting Christ in a rehab room in a way he never could have planned. No worship team. No perfect prayer. No crowd. Just Jesus walking into the room and restoring what was shattered. You’ll discover: why Jeremy says his most life-changing healing began with identity, not behaviorhow childhood sexual trauma shaped his relationships for yearswhat the story of the woman with the issue of blood reveals about identity, healing, and faithwhy the prodigal son, the lost sheep, and the good shepherd all matter so deeply in his storyhow prayer, spiritual discernment, and surrender work together when someone has wandered far from God Dr. J also brings in the tension many listeners feel but rarely hear addressed well: how to talk about spiritual warfare with balance, without becoming either dismissive or obsessed. Jeremy shares a grounded, biblical perspective on deliverance, authority in Christ, and why Christians need both spiritual awareness and wisdom. This episode is for anyone praying over a loved one who feels unreachable, anyone carrying shame from the past, and anyone who needs to be reminded that the gospel is not about striving harder - it’s about being made new. If you need hope that God still chases after the one, this story will meet you right where you are.

  5. 7 aug

    Ep8: More Than a Feeling: How to Carry Others Well (A Reflection Episode)

    What love looks like when it costs you something: I keep coming back to one line from Sean's testimony: "I was being loved and being carried by them." That stopped me because so often we think love has to show up as the perfect feeling, the perfect words, the perfect emotional response. But what if love is much simpler than that?  What if love is sometimes just staying present. Praying when it would be easier to scroll past. Sending the text. Making the call. Holding somebody up when they don't have the strength to hold themselves. Sean talked about people in his life who did exactly that for him - people who didn't just have an opinion about his life, but who actually showed up in it. That challenged me. Especially because I know how easy it is to get distracted, get busy, get protective of my time, and convince myself that's normal.  It also made me think about Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' arms. There are moments when the battle is not won by the loudest voice. It's won by the people willing to stand there and keep lifting. Maybe that's the kind of love the church needs more of. Not polished. Not performative. Just faithful. Listen in on this reflection episode and don’t forget to check out Lindsey’s book, (mentioned in this episode and the last), Piercing the Night.

  6. 31 jul

    Ep7: How Loving Without Conditions Can Break the Chains of Shame with Sean Philip

    How does genuine love look beyond the surface? Discover Sean’s raw journey through pain, confusion, and divine encounter to find a different kind of intimacy - one rooted in trust, obedience, and spiritual kinship. Sean’s story breaks the mold of typical narratives around faith and sexuality. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Texas, his childhood was marked by rejection, family trauma, and a relentless search for identity amid cultural and spiritual expectations. Yet, amid deep pain and questioning, Sean’s encounter with God transformed his understanding of true love, showing him that genuine intimacy goes far beyond physical relationship; it’s about brotherhood, vulnerability, and walking with Jesus through every step. In this episode, Sean unpacks pivotal moments: a traumatic massage experience that opened his eyes to exploitation, years of wrestling with same-sex attraction and faith, and pivotal experiences that reshaped his perspective on love and friendship. You'll discover how he navigated rejection from his family, the power of community and prayer, and the importance of redefining biblical love by drawing on the story of David and Jonathan as a blueprint for deep, non-romantic bonds in the Christian life. Sean also shares practical insight on how churches and believers can support LGBTQ individuals without judgment, modeling Christ’s love through acceptance and authentic relationship. You’ll leave with a renewed understanding: sexual attraction isn’t sin; acting on it outside of biblical boundaries is. Sean’s testimony invites you to reconsider what it means to love as Jesus loves; that even in our brokenness, His grace abounds, leading us to healing, obedience, and authentic connection. Perfect for pastors, friends, and anyone navigating faith and identity, this episode offers hope, reassurance, and a call to extend the love of Christ in every relationship. Sean is a songwriter, worship leader, and speaker, passionately committed to authentic faith and biblical truth. His story reflects the power of God's redemption and the beauty of walking in Spirit-led obedience, even when the path is challenging. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand how God's love can break cycles of rejection and bring freedom by revealing that true fulfillment isn’t found in changing your identity, but in aligning it with God's purpose.

  7. 24 jul

    Ep6: The Ongoing Journey of Faith: From Salvation to Sanctification

    After my recent reflection on my conversation with Barry Jones, a therapist and fellow believer, I reflected on the fact that our Christian walk isn’t just a one-time moment. It’s a continuous journey of brokenness and wholeness, living in the tension of what is and what’s to come. In this episode, I reflect on shame versus guilt and grace versus condemnation. Shame is not something to fight or dismiss, but something to sit with and use as a cue to draw closer to Christ. There’s power in recognizing that sometimes, shame can point us in the right direction; calling us to repentance, to transformation and to dependency on God's grace. Paul’s words in Romans echo this—no condemnation, only grace that frees us and continually refines us. Our salvation is a moment, but the Christian life; walking in faith, and maturing in Christ is an ongoing process. I still remember my own salvation moment vividly; yet, I know I am still on that journey every day. That’s the beauty of it: the promise of transformation, step by step, in the Spirit. Maybe the real revelation is that living in this tension—embracing brokenness while clinging to wholeness—reflects the very nature of our walk: real, imperfect, redeemed. Worth thinking about. Listen to the full conversation here.

  8. 17 jul

    From Darkness to Light: How Jesus Rescues From the Darkest Pit with Barry Jones

    What if healing and transformation happen not just in grand moments, but in the quiet day-to-day struggles that define us? Barry's journey from darkness to hope reveals that God's presence meets us everywhere — especially in our most broken places. His story of overcoming childhood trauma and emptiness highlights the undeniable truth: no pit is too deep for Jesus to rescue you, and His love is both tender and relentless. In this heartfelt conversation, you'll discover how God shows up when we least expect — from miraculous rescues in dangerous pit moments to the everyday battles of sin and guilt. Barry shares stunning insights on how faith, vulnerability, and community illuminate the path from despair to purpose. You'll learn how the both/and truth of Christian life; simultaneously broken and redeemed, can transform your understanding of hope and healing. We break down practical ways to embody Christ’s love through honesty and vulnerability, especially in a culture that often hides its struggles. Whether you're wrestling with past trauma, feeling stuck in sin, or simply longing for real connection, this episode offers a reminder: God's mercy is active today, guiding us through every season. If you're seeking hope in the midst of life's chaos or want to understand what authentic faith looks like in real life, this is essential listening. Barry’s story reminds us that you don’t have to have it all together. God's love keeps working on us, day by day, pit by pit. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to lean into Jesus' unwavering grace.

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Info

What happens when a Christian becomes a psychologist and sex therapist? That's not the setup to a bad joke. It's the start of a daring leap into the messy conversations that matter most — ones intended to point you to the life-changing power of Jesus. Dr. Jessica McCleese (Dr. J) has spent nearly two decades sitting with real people navigating trauma, shame, and sexual brokenness. Most of them have been Christians — people searching for practical answers that actually align with their faith and the Word of God. Therapy can help, but Dr. J is the first to say it: the only true healing comes from Christ. In a world that preaches freedom of choice and crowns personal truth as supreme, Dr. J invites her listeners into the tension rather than away from it, pointing to Jesus with both truth and love. Rooted in the book of Revelation, the name White Stones speaks to the intimate, personal relationship each believer can have with Christ. That spirit of honest, personal encounter shapes every conversation on this show. Each episode weaves Dr. J's clinical expertise together with the lived authority of her guests — people whose stories of trauma, shame, and broken sexuality reveal God's redemptive work in ways unique to each individual, yet consistent with His character as a good God. Together, they tackle the hard stuff with unashamed honesty and the audacious hope that Jesus truly makes all things new. If you're looking for a space where faith is deeply rooted, refreshingly honest, and genuinely practical — you're home. Grab your coffee and let's go.

Informatie

  • Maker
    Dr. J McCleese
  • Jaren actief
    2026
  • Afleveringen
    13
  • Beoordeling
    Veilig
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. J McCleese
  • Website van aflevering
    The White Stones Podcast
  • Provider

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