The Collide Podcast

Willow Weston
  • 5.0 (64)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Collide podcast. We are so glad you’re here! We’re excited for you to join us every week as Collide’s Founder and Director, Willow Weston interviews incredible humans who are experiencing God doing amazing things in their lives. We love sharing stories of leaders, counselors, pastors, business owners, moms, artists, authors, and everyday heroes who are making a difference in the world. We invite our guests to share from an authentic and vulnerable place the ways that Jesus is showing up and colliding with them in the mess, the pain, the beauty, and the joy. We know you will be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged and leave each episode knowing God meets you where you’re at and is doing something beautiful right there.

  1. 3d ago

    Finding God in Motherhood

    Are You Feeling Distant From God Because Motherhood Feels Overwhelming?In this encouraging episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Emily Assell to talk about the challenges of staying connected to God during the busy, exhausting seasons of motherhood. Emily shares how moms can let go of unrealistic expectations, release guilt, and discover that God is present in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Whether you're juggling endless responsibilities, feeling spiritually depleted, or wondering if you're doing enough, this conversation will remind you that God meets you right where you are. You don't have to earn His presence or create the perfect quiet time to experience His love and grace. Meet Emily AssellEmily Assell is an author, speaker, homeschooling mom, and creator of resources that encourage women and families in their faith journey. Her latest book, Wherever You Are: Devotions and Declarations for Moms, offers practical encouragement and biblical truth for moms navigating the beautiful and often overwhelming realities of motherhood. Emily is passionate about helping women encounter God in everyday life and find freedom from perfectionism and pressure. In This Episode, You'll LearnHow to connect with God even when life feels busy and chaoticWhy guilt and perfectionism can keep moms feeling spiritually defeatedPractical ways to invite God into ordinary daily momentsHow God's grace meets you exactly where you are in your motherhood journey How This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you've ever felt like you're failing spiritually because motherhood leaves little time for yourself, this conversation will bring a deep breath of relief. Emily offers practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and a fresh perspective that will help you experience God's presence without pressure. You'll leave feeling reminded that God sees you, loves you, and is walking with you through every moment of motherhood. Collide Book Connect with Emily: Instagram | Generaction Claimed | Books Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Mentioned in this episode: Order Your Copy of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy online or at your favorite retailer.

    38 min

  2. May 27

    When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

    What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you prayed it would? In this honest and powerful episode, Willow sits down with Nicci Smith—known by many as Tanner’s mom from Love on the Spectrum—to talk about the journey she never expected and the God who met her in it. When Nicci first received her son’s autism diagnosis, she was overwhelmed with fear, grief, and uncertainty. Like many moms, she found herself asking: What does this mean for his future? What does this mean for our family? But what unfolded over the years wasn’t the story she feared—it was something deeper, richer, and more meaningful than she could have imagined. This conversation is for the woman who: Feels like she’s living a story she didn’t chooseIs grieving what she thought life would look likeIs exhausted from trying to “fix” or control the outcomeWonders if God is still at work in the middle of it all Nicci vulnerably shares how it took over a decade to move from striving and fear into true surrender—and how that shift changed everything. You’ll hear how God used Tanner’s life not just to shape their family, but to impact millions through his joy, authenticity, and love for people. What You’ll Learn:Why surrender—not striving—is the turning point in hard seasonsHow to redefine success when life looks different than expectedThe tension between pursuing help and trusting God’s planWhat it looks like to grieve honestly and still hold onto faithHow God can use what feels like weakness to impact others in powerful ways Connect with Nicci:Instagram | instagram.com/nicci_smith6/Podcast: Talk To Me, Sis | Apple Podcasts Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Mentioned in this episode: Order Your Copy of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy online or at your favorite retailer.

    50 min

  3. May 20

    Trauma, Childhood Pain & Trying Softer

    Why do I still feel stuck… even though I love Jesus? In this honest, compassionate, and eye-opening conversation, Willow sits down with trauma therapist and author Aundi Kolber to explore the connection between faith, emotional health, and the nervous system—and why so many women feel disconnected from the healing they long for. Aundi shares vulnerably from her own story of childhood trauma—how she learned to survive by “white knuckling” life, staying hyper-aware, and becoming the “good” and successful girl on the outside… while internally feeling anxious, disconnected, and afraid. What she didn’t realize at the time is something so many women experience: just because something feels normal doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Together, Willow and Aundi unpack the moment when survival strategies stop helping and start hurting—and why healing often begins by simply noticing the mismatch. They also gently challenge one of the most common beliefs in Christian culture: that if you have faith, you should already be healed. But the truth is—healing isn’t instant, and it’s not something we earn by trying harder. In fact, trying harder might be the very thing keeping you stuck. Instead, Aundi introduces a new invitation: to try softer. Not as a way of giving up… but as a way of becoming present. Present to your story. Present to your body. Present to the God who is already with you. This conversation will help you understand why your pain may still be showing up, how trauma lives in your body, and what it looks like to invite Jesus into your healing in a real, practical way. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “trying harder” can actually block your healingHow trauma impacts your body, faith, and relationshipsWhat it means to “try softer” in everyday lifeWhy naming your story is a powerful step toward freedomHow to stop spiritually bypassing pain and start processing itWhat it looks like to invite God into your healing in real time Final EncouragementYou don’t have to rush your healing. You don’t have to prove your faith. And you don’t have to pretend you’re okay. God isn’t waiting for a finished version of you. He meets you right here—in the middle of your story. And maybe today… He’s inviting you to try softer. Connect with AundiWebsite: aundikolber.comInstagram: @aundikolberSubstack: substack.com/@aundikolberBooks: Try Softer, Strong Like Water Collide Book Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Mentioned in this episode: Order Your Copy of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy online or at your favorite retailer.

    49 min

  4. May 13

    Finding Faith in Unexpected Seasons

    Have you ever found yourself in a season of life you didn’t sign up for? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole Unice to talk about navigating life’s unexpected seasons, grief, and the challenges that come when everything familiar changes. Nicole shares her personal journey of leaving full-time ministry, moving through uncertainty, and leaning into God’s faithfulness when life felt unfair. Through her story, she offers insights on faithfulness, emotional health, and discovering God’s blessings even in the pit moments of life. Whether you’re facing loss, change, or a season you never planned, this episode will remind you that God is with you, shaping your story in ways you can’t yet see. Meet Nicole Unice Nicole is a pastor, author, speaker, and former therapist with decades of experience helping people connect their emotional and spiritual lives. She is the author of Not What I Signed Up For, The Struggle is Real, and other faith-centered books that guide readers through life’s hard chapters. Nicole is passionate about helping women navigate grief, uncertainty, and unexpected life changes while remaining rooted in faith. Her story is a powerful example of resilience, courage, and faithfulness through seasons no one plans for. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to navigate grief and loss in seasons you didn’t anticipate.Why faithfulness doesn’t always look like strength or victory—it can be as simple as staying with God.How to reframe blessing and see God’s work in unexpected places.Practical ways to hold your emotions while deepening trust in God’s plan. How This Episode Will Encourage You This conversation will inspire you to embrace God’s presence in difficult seasons, release the pressure to “fix” your life immediately, and find freedom and hope in the midst of uncertainty. Nicole’s insights offer practical and spiritual encouragement for anyone feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in life’s “not what I signed up for” moments. Connect with Nicole Website: nicoleunice.com Books: Not What I Signed Up For, The Struggle Is Real, Brave Enough, She’s Got Issues Collide Book Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Mentioned in this episode: Order Your Copy of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy online or at your favorite retailer.

    44 min

  5. May 6

    From Shame to Soul Revival

    Are you tired of feeling stuck in cycles of shame, overthinking, or never quite getting it right? In this honest episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Whittle to talk about how shame, misplaced priorities, and hidden idols quietly take hold in our lives—and keep us from experiencing the freedom God has for us. She shares about her unexpected journey into ministry, how pain shaped her calling, and what it really looks like to put Jesus over everything. Whether you’re battling shame, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or longing for a fresh start with God, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to come back and experience soul-deep renewal. Meet Lisa WhittleLisa is an author, Bible teacher, podcast host, and ministry leader who has written nearly ten books and studies focused on helping women follow Jesus with integrity and depth. She also leads Ministry Strong, where she equips leaders to serve God faithfully for the long haul. Lisa is passionate about helping women break free from shame, live with purpose, and keep Jesus at the center of their lives. In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow God often uses pain and hardship to reveal your calling and purposeThe subtle ways idols and “over behaviors” (like overthinking, overworking, or overindulging) take over your lifeWhy shame keeps so many women stuck—and how to break free from itWhat it practically looks like to put Jesus first and experience real soul revival How This Episode Will Encourage YouThis episode will help you take an honest look at what’s been holding you back and remind you that freedom is possible. You’ll be encouraged to release shame, realign your priorities, and come back to God just as you are—knowing He meets you there with grace, healing, and hope. https://wecollide.net/books/collide/ Connect with Lisa: lisawhittle.com Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

    40 min

  6. Apr 29

    See People The Way Jesus Does

    Who feels hardest for you to love right now? In this powerful re-aired episode (March 2025), Willow sits down with Jessica Bond, artist, speaker, and creator of the viral foot washing series, to explore what it really looks like to love like Jesus in a divided world. Jessica shares how a single image -Jesus washing the feet of a bride - unexpectedly sparked a global movement of artwork depicting Jesus serving people from every background, belief system, and lifestyle. What started as one moment of obedience quickly became a powerful invitation for all of us: Who do we believe belongs at Jesus’ feet? Together, this conversation dives into the tension we all feel to love people who think differently, live differently, or have even hurt us and how Jesus calls us into something deeper. If you’ve ever struggled with judgment, felt unworthy of God’s love, or wrestled with how to show grace in a polarized world, this episode will meet you right there. In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why our identity as “beloved” changes how we see everyone elseThe deeper meaning behind Jesus washing feet—and why it still matters todayHow division, offense, and pain reveal what’s really happening in our heartsWhy the answer—for everyone—is still an encounter with JesusWhat to do when you feel unworthy, stuck in shame, or far from GodHow to begin loving people you don’t understand (or don’t want to) Collide Conference for Women Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Mentioned in this episode: Order Your Copy of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy online or at your favorite retailer.

    44 min

  7. Apr 22

    Purposing It All for Good: Creating a Life of Impact and Service with Mike McEvoy

    How do you take heartbreak, loss, and life’s unexpected struggles and turn them into purpose, healing, and impact? In this powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Mike McEvoy to talk about finding purpose in pain and using your gifts to serve others. Mike shares about starting Construction for Change in college, building schools and hospitals around the world, and navigating the heartbreak of losing a child while growing his family. He offers insights on faith, grief, service, and living a life that truly makes a difference. Whether you’re navigating hardship, seeking purpose, or longing to serve, this episode will remind you that your pain can be purposed for good. Meet Mike McEvoy Mike McEvoy is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Construction for Change, a nonprofit that has built over 130 schools and hospitals in 23 countries. He has spent nearly 20 years combining his construction expertise with a heart for global service. Mike is passionate about empowering communities, walking alongside partners, and showing that even the most difficult life experiences can be transformed into purpose and impact. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How Mike turned his college passion and skills into a global nonprofit serving communities worldwideLessons from navigating personal heartbreak and grief while trusting God’s planThe importance of integrating faith with action—living both vertically with God and horizontally with othersPractical ways to use your unique gifts and experiences to make a meaningful impact How This Episode Will Encourage You This episode will inspire you to see your struggles and losses not as the end of your story, but as opportunities to create purpose, hope, and transformation. You’ll gain practical insights, renewed faith, and encouragement to live a life that truly matters—right where you are. Learn more about Construction for Change on thier website: constructionforchange.org https://wecollide.net/books/collide/ Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Mentioned in this episode: New Book Release! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy today wherever books are sold.

    48 min

  8. Apr 15

    Reframe Your Story for Purpose with Mary DeMuth

    What if the parts of your story you want to hide are the very places God wants to use to bring healing and purpose? In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Willow sits down with author and speaker Mary DeMuth to talk about what it means to “re-story” your life. Mary shares her personal journey of walking through trauma, healing, and ultimately discovering that God doesn’t waste our pain - He transforms it. Together, they unpack the powerful truth that an untold story cannot be healed, and how bringing our stories into the light is the first step toward freedom. You’ll hear practical ways to begin processing your story, how to recognize the “footprints of God” in your past, and why healing is not a one-time moment but a layered journey. Mary also speaks to the fear many of us carry about reopening wounds and how to do so safely, with support and grace. This episode is an invitation to stop believing the lies that have kept you silent and instead step into a new chapter, one where your story becomes a source of healing, not just for you, but for others. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “an untold story will never heal.”What it means to reframe (or “re-story”) your lifeHow to begin processing your story in safe and healthy waysThe role of community and vulnerability in healingWhy forgiveness is a repeated, layered journey—not a one-time decisionHow to identify God’s presence in your past, even when it felt silentPractical steps to move forward and create a different ending to your story Your past may shape your story—but it doesn’t have to define your future. With God, even the most painful chapters can be rewritten into something beautiful, meaningful, and full of purpose. Connect with Mary DeMuth on social media: @marydemuth Visit her website: marydemuth.com Check out her book: Restory Your Life https://wecollide.net/books/collide/ Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook 🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music 🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store 🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift. 💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources. 📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry. 📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide! Links referenced in this episode: marydemuth.com Mentioned in this episode: Order Your Copy of Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt Grab your copy online or at your favorite retailer.

    32 min
See All (367)

5
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Collide podcast. We are so glad you’re here! We’re excited for you to join us every week as Collide’s Founder and Director, Willow Weston interviews incredible humans who are experiencing God doing amazing things in their lives. We love sharing stories of leaders, counselors, pastors, business owners, moms, artists, authors, and everyday heroes who are making a difference in the world. We invite our guests to share from an authentic and vulnerable place the ways that Jesus is showing up and colliding with them in the mess, the pain, the beauty, and the joy. We know you will be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged and leave each episode knowing God meets you where you’re at and is doing something beautiful right there.

Information

  • Creator
    Willow Weston
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    367
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 871173
  • Show Website
    The Collide Podcast

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