Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

Joni and Friends
  • 4.9 (246)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Joni and Friends shares encouraging conversations about finding hope through your hardships, along with practical ways to include people with disabilities in your church and community.

  1. 2d ago

    When Everything Changes: Patric Young on Disability, Identity, and Trusting God through Adversity

    What happens when the life you've built changes in an instant? Former professional basketball player Patric Young seemed to have everything ahead of him: a successful athletic career, a new job, and a wedding just days away. Then a devastating car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down and forced him to confront big questions of identity, purpose, and faith. In this conversation, Patric shares how God met him in suffering, taught him to surrender what he could not control, and helped him discover that his value was never rooted in his abilities. Together, Stephanie and Patric discuss disability, grief, community, perseverance, and the hope that remains even when circumstances don't change. Whether you're navigating disability, chronic hardship, caregiving, or an unexpected life transition, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for trusting God in the middle of life's hardest seasons. Follow Patric on Instagram: @patricyoung4 Get a copy of Patric’s book, Sit to Rise: Turning Your Darkest Pain into Your Brightest Victory Learn about the Patric Young Foundation   MENTIONED RESOURCES: A Place of Healing, Joni Eareckson Tada Win the Day, Mark Batterson The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson Failing Forward, John C. Maxwell   KEY QUESTIONS:  What does it look like to choose hope when your circumstances haven't yet changed? What is God teaching you in your current season?   KEY SCRIPTURES: James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    When Everything Changes: Patric Young on Disability, Identity, and Trusting God through Adversity

  2. Jul 16

    More Than Accommodation: Carrie Mastenbrook on Creating True Belonging in the Church

    What does true belonging look like for families living with disability? In this conversation, Carrie Mastenbrook shares her journey as a mom to Andrew, who had a stroke at birth and lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. From overwhelming early medical challenges to unexpected moments of joy (like Andrew becoming a Special Olympics champion), Carrie reflects on how God has been present through it all. Now serving with Joni and Friends, Carrie is passionate about helping churches move beyond simply accommodating families with disabilities to truly embracing them. She offers practical wisdom, personal stories, and encouragement for both families and church leaders seeking to build a community where everyone is seen, known, and valued. This episode is a beautiful reminder that even in life’s hard moments, God is near. He is always working to bring purpose, connection, and belonging through Jesus. Connect with your local Joni and Friends U.S. Ministry Office Learn more about Joni and Friends Family Retreat Discover free Church Training Resources Volunteer with Joni and Friends!   KEY QUESTIONS: How can your church move from simply accommodating families with disabilities to truly embracing them? How can your church better include people with disabilities in your current discipleship programs?   KEY SCRIPTURES: Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength. You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    More Than Accommodation: Carrie Mastenbrook on Creating True Belonging in the Church

  3. Jul 9

    Worship Through the Breaking with Isaac Immanuel

    Worship leader and songwriter Isaac Immanuel shares his powerful story of faith in the midst of suffering. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone disease that has resulted in hundreds of fractures and dozens of surgeries, Isaac has learned to see weakness as a platform for God’s strength. In this conversation, he opens up about living with disability, stepping out in faith to embrace God’s calling on his life, and cultivating a posture of humility and worship. Through his story and music, Isaac offers a compelling reminder of what it means to find true identity in Christ and to hold onto hope even through the breaking. He is known for his authentic faith and passion for leading others in worship. As someone who has faced significant physical challenges from a young age, Isaac speaks candidly about the tension between limitation and calling. With a desire to encourage his generation, he shares how God faithfully answers prayers and cares for the desires of our hearts, often in ways that reveal His preparation long before we recognize it. Isaac’s story is a reminder that God’s strength is made evident not in spite of weakness, but through it. Follow Isaac Immanuel on Instagram and TikTok Stream his original song “Out of Darkness”   KEY QUESTIONS: What does “worship” mean to you? How do you live it out in everyday life? How would you encourage your generation to step out in faith and into their calling? What has been the result of saying “yes” to God in this endeavor?   KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV) Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    Worship Through the Breaking with Isaac Immanuel

  4. Season 8 Trailer

    We're Kicking Off Season 8 of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast!

    Stephanie Daniels, our host of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, is gearing up for Season 8. Join her each week this summer to hear from inspiring guests who will encourage you right where you are. Whether you're looking for practical ways your church can embrace people living with disability, you are personally facing a new disability or diagnosis, or you serve as a caregiver, you’ll discover hope through your hardship as you listen! Join us for your weekly dose of encouragement beginning Thursday, July 9th. We'll see you soon! Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram for episode updates and more! You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

  5. 10/23/2025

    Literally Living by Faith and Not by Sight – Jennifer Rothschild

    Author, speaker, and Bible teacher, Jennifer Rothschild joins host Stephanie Daniels to share her story of literally walking by faith and not by sight. Since losing her sight at age 15, Jennifer hasn’t let blindness stop her from seeing and sharing God’s goodness. You will be encouraged by their conversation and reminded to trust God even when life doesn’t look like what you planned. And that God’s strength shines brightest in our weakness and hope can bloom in the darkest places. Connect with Jennifer and listen to her podcast at her website jenniferrosthschild.com Check out Joni’s books in the Joni and Friends Bookstore KEY QUESTIONS: How have you seen God show up in your weakness?How can you be patient with yourself… and with God?How can you personally reach out to people with disabilities in your church?KEY SCRIPTURES: Job 1:21: “...The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    Literally Living by Faith and Not by Sight – Jennifer Rothschild

  6. 10/16/2025

    Arising through Grief: God's Faithfulness after Loss — Amber Smith

    Amber Smith, wife of former country music artist, Granger Smith joins Stephanie Daniels to share about her book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together when Everything is Falling Apart. Amber shares her deeply personal experience of losing her three-year-old son, River, and God’s faithfulness to her in the pit of despair. Her story will encourage you to hold onto the hope that God is near, even when it feels quiet, and that the bathroom floor is not the end—it’s just the beginning. Get your copy of Amber’s book: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together when Everything is Falling Apart Find out more about Amber and connect with her at: arisewithamber.com KEY QUESTIONS: How have you experienced God in the bathroom floor seasons of your life?How can you invite God into your heartbreak? Who can you ask to walk with you?KEY SCRIPTURES: Revelation 21:14: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”Hebrews 12:1–2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    Arising through Grief: God's Faithfulness after Loss — Amber Smith

  7. 10/09/2025

    Finding New Life: Dr. Jason Kolb on God’s Sufficient Grace in Suffering

    Dr. Jason Kolb and his wife Amy know firsthand about unexpected turns in life. In January 2023 Jason took a wrong turn at high speed while skiing and landed at the bottom of a 20-foot drop. As an ER doctor, Jason knew he was paralyzed from the chest down and had broken several ribs. Jason and Amy join Stephanie Daniels to share their journey of discovering God's sufficient grace in ways they never could have planned. Their conversation will encourage, challenge, and remind you that no matter what you face, God's grace really is enough. Read more of Dr. Kolb’s story Get your copy of Dr. Kolb’s book, Down the Mountain: Skiing, Suffering, and Sufficient Grace Connect with him at www.drjasonkolb.com    KEY QUESTIONS: How can you bring community to someone experiencing isolation?Whose burden can you bear?What trial do you need to entrust to God today?  KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Corinthians 12:9–10: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”Psalm 23:1–4: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    Finding New Life: Dr. Jason Kolb on God’s Sufficient Grace in Suffering

  8. 10/02/2025

    Shawn Thornton’s “All But Normal” Childhood and Path to Ministry (Part 2)

    Shawn Thornton, our Joni and Friends President and Chief Ministry Officer returns to the podcast to share his experience and insight on disability ministry in the church. Raised with disability in his immediate family, Shawn has a unique perspective on how the church should care for people who live with disability. Hear how God has used his personal experience to grow him as a pastor and prepare him to reach the global church through his role with Joni and Friends. Listen to part 1 of Shawn’s conversation with Stephanie DanielsGet your copy of Shawn’s book, All But Normal: Life on Victory RoadPrior to leading Joni and Friends, Shawn served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California, where he helped launch a dynamic disability ministry that has become a model for churches nationwide. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Awana Clubs International and on the Board of Trustees of Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California. Shawn and his wife, Lesli, live in Southern California and have three grown children, Jon, Katie, and Megan (who is married to Wes).   KEY QUESTIONS: How can you encourage your church’s culture to welcome people with disabilities?How can a struggle you experience equip you to encourage someone else?  KEY SCRIPTURES: Psalm 34:8-9: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing.”2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team.   Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.   Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

    Shawn Thornton’s “All But Normal” Childhood and Path to Ministry (Part 2)
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Joni and Friends shares encouraging conversations about finding hope through your hardships, along with practical ways to include people with disabilities in your church and community.

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