You Were Made for More

Sammie Gallo
  • 3.5 (13)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Bimonthly

Our hearts yearn for teenagers to know that they are valued, loved, and created for a purpose. Currently, our culture is feeding the younger generations so many lies – telling them that they are defined by what others say about them, how they perform, what they have to offer to others,  or how they fit a certain image.  The Truth speaks of a completely different narrative. Our identities are found in one thing, and that one thing, changes everything: Jesus. That’s a POWERFUL, transformative statement. When this idea gets from our heads to our hearts it shifts how we live, what we believe, and how we do relationships with others. Our mission is to consistently speak about the abundant life that is freely offered to us because we have seen + believe that when teenagers know what they are worth AND whose they are, they will be more inclined to live for Jesus – following His commandments and walking in His ways. God says that you are valued, loved, and created for a purpose! That changes everything. This podcast hosts conversations on tough, relational topics - while connecting relationships, identity, and the Gospel, in profound ways that encourage critical-thinking as we navigate the world around us, always pointing back to the hope that we have because... we were made for more. Music Credit: Matt Stewart from the band Soldiers and Sons (Waynesburg, PA)Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialsoldiersandsons/ This podcast is a project of Abundant Life: You Were Made for More and Anglicans for Life. 

  1. Sep 28

    Disability: Human Needs & Your Place In The Story (With Sammie Gallo)

    “It is estimated that 16% of the world’s population lives with a disability – and is one of the largest, under-reached people groups in the world for the Gospel,” according to the Tim Tebow Foundation.  A robust pro-life stance honors ALL life. This conversation is part of doing that. Join us as we reflect on what it means to honor life of all abilities.  Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: Ministries to eɔuip your church:https://alittleextralove.com/ https://amyjuliabecker.com/resources/https://www.specialneedsministryresources.com/Disability Ministry: Why Should This Be Pro-Life?Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookInstagram

    Disability: Human Needs & Your Place In The Story (With Sammie Gallo)

  2. Aug 24

    Episode 104: Ready To Talk: A New Resource on Gender and Sexuality (With Amber Garrett Carroll)

    Ready to Talk: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Gender and Sexuality  is a new resource written by Amber Garrett Carroll. Sammie sits down with her on today's episode to chat about the book and how it can practically help parents and the Church dive into these topics with confidence and preparedness, taking a proactive approach to issues we know they'll one day face. We talk about the 3 essential parts to her book - (1) the theological foundation, (2) practical conversation starters, and (3) same sex attraction/gender issues - and how parents are able to prepare for conversations with their kids in today's culture. "In Ready to Talk, Amber Carroll prepares readers to do just that: talk. This book equips parents for the inevitable conversations ahead, offering practical recommendations, suggested wording, and developmentally attuned guidance. Carroll provides a wife randge of thoughtful teaching and sample responses to some of the most challenging topics parents worry they will one day face. The material on vocational singleness is especially inqure and accessibly. I highly recommend this book." -Mark Yarhouse, Psy. D., Author of Emerging Sexual Identities and Gender Identity and Faith Amber graduated from Union University in 2008 with a degree in English Literature and Secondary Education. After college, she spent six years teaching middle and high school in the public school system, followed by several years at home raising babies while freelancing as an editor for publishers including Lifeway. In 2019, she joined Equip, where she now serves as Vice President. Her primary focus is equipping Christian parents with the clarity, confidence, and courage they need to begin age-appropriate conversations with their kids about God-honoring sex, sexuality, gender. Her passion for helping parents talk with their kids about sex, sexuality, and gender in ways that build trust, deepen faith, and point them toward Jesus, is something we all can learn from. This work matters deeply to her as she has quite the personal connection to it that you'll hear about through our conversation.  This book is for you if you’re… – a Christian parent of children ages 2–12 and you realize conversations about sex, relationships, and gender are conversations you can't afford to avoid – a grandparent, godparent, foster parent, aunt, or uncle – a children’s ministry leader, Sunday School teacher, or kids’ volunteer – anyone who cares about equipping kids to understand God’s design for sexuality and gender Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: Amber's Free Resource - Parent PackAmber's Instagram and Equip's FacebookAmber's Wesbite Book Amber to Speak Amber's Email: amber@equipyourcommunity.org Remember - Amber is assisting churches in hosting FREE events this year regarding these topics. Reach out to her with questions!  Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookInstagram

    Episode 104: Ready To Talk: A New Resource on Gender and Sexuality (With Amber Garrett Carroll)

  3. Jul 27

    Episode 103: Faithful Ministry: In The Thick Of It With Kids (With Janelle DiStefano)

    This month's podcast is highlighting what it looks like to really do life with students faithfully with Sammie's friend, Janelle DiStefano.  Get to know Janelle:  "I'm on Young Life Staff in Sewickley, PA and married to my husband, Sam. I have been involved with the ministry of Young Life for 8 years (as a student, leader & now on staff)! Jesus brought me from death to life my sophomore year of high school & now I get to walk alongside students and share this good news with them every day. I’m passionate about being constant in students lives through all seasons. Entering into students brokenness with them changes lives for eternity! God is doing so much through my hesitant “yes” to full time ministry- praise God for redemption through Him!"  Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookInstagram

    Episode 103: Faithful Ministry: In The Thick Of It With Kids (With Janelle DiStefano)

  4. Jun 29

    Episode 102: Lead Like Jael (With Emma Waters)

    Put first things first, and He’ll take care of the rest. Emma Waters has implemented this quote from C.S. Lewis into her life and the flourishing of the fruit from it is beautiful.  It is impossible to do justice to every detail of Lead Like Jael, but such a book is an essential how-to guide to create a world after feminism - one that honors women and gives space for us to use the gifts that God has given us.  Waters' new book, Lead Like Jael, asks the question: What if the pursuit of “having it all” is costing women the very things they were made to love? In a culture that insists women must choose between two extremes—become a “girl boss” or embrace a “tradwife” ideal—many find themselves longing for something deeper. Neither path fully answers the yearning for purpose, wisdom, and a life aligned with God’s design. Lead Like Jael offers a better way with PRACTICAL steps to start living out this design - which is what I love about it! Idealistic and realistic - hallelujah!  Written for women in every stage of life, Lead Like Jael rejects simplistic cultural labels and invites readers into biblical maturity. Waters makes the case for the Tent Peg Strategy, offering seven principles for living wisely in a disordered age: Discernment shaped by God’s WordShrewdness guided by conviction and courageResourcefulness grounded in duty to one’s homeHospitality as a life-giving and life-saving force Marriage that embraces husbands as battle-mates, not rivalsMotherhood as warfare wielding self-sacrificial love Wise counsel from faithful womenWhether you’re just beginning your journey or guiding others along theirs, this book meets you where you are and speaks with strength, clarity, and hope. God’s Word leaves no room for passivity: “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down” (Proverbs 14:1). Emma Waters is a Policy Analyst for the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on family, bioethics, and reproductive technology. She is a former Visiting Fellow with Independent Women’s Forum and a contributing author with World Magazine. Emma graduated valedictorian of Lee University with a double major in Political Science and Biblical & Theological Studies. Today, she lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their two children. Follow her on X @emlwaters. Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: Lead Like JaelBe sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookInstagram

    Episode 102: Lead Like Jael (With Emma Waters)

  5. May 25

    Episode 101: Discipleship, The Home, and Motherhood (With Jessie Dains)

    Ask yourself the question - "How is God parenting you?" This one question will determine how you live your every day, especially as a mom. It will make all the difference in your parenting.  In this episode, we talk about a variety of things, but highlight motherhood and the gift that it is:  God doesn’t waste or halt your dreams - He just reframes them and gives you a new mission field to live them out in. Inviting your kids into everything - especially the mundane.How you model, discipline, and pray are greatly intertwined with your own relationship with God. Jessie Dains is a Registered Nurse with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, whom also is one of my dearest friends. Jessie says, "I prayed once and told God I would do the hardest thing for Him, whatever He asked. He made me a wife and a mom and led me to stay home with my kids and homeschool them." That's essentially who she is. And she absolutely crushes everything that she does. I can't wait for you to hear from her!  Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookInstagram

    Episode 101: Discipleship, The Home, and Motherhood (With Jessie Dains)

  6. Apr 13

    Episode 100: Uncertainty and Open Hands in Hard Times (With Chaley Knight)

    What does it look like to live with open hands and an open heart - especially during times of uncertainty?  This month we are bringing you a special conversation about hope, uncertainty, and faith, from Dr. Chaley Knight.  Chaley has been a longtime member of the Waynesburg University campus as both a student and a counselor, which is how I met her. For my husband and I’s first three years of marriage, we lived in the little town just north of the PA/WV border called Waynesburg, and it brought so many great people into our circle. At the time, Juan was a youth pastor and we served the students of our church every Sunday at youth group. Chaley’s three kiddos were regulars there and we came to know and love them - they are so grown up now, and since we’ve moved away, we kept in touch via Facebook - the upside of social media! Chaley completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology from WU in 2004, earned her Master’s degree in counseling psychology in 2007. While a graduate student, she served as a resident director and resided in the residence hall with students. Before officially joining the Waynesburg University counseling staff, she worked within the community as a mental health therapist and addictions counselor.  Chaley recently shared her testimony at Waynesburg University’s chapel the other week and I came across it on my feed when she shared it to encourage others through the joy and the heartaches of her story. The way that she spoke triggered a realization inside of me - how often we hold back our stories because we are too afraid to speak with a trembling voice. Chaley shared her story with trembling, holding back tears, but did so while pointing to the God who wrote her story and writes all of ours. He is good. He is with us. In all of the uncertainty.  It should be noted that Chaley's original presentation of this message was given at Waynesburg University's Chapel as part of their Testimony Tuesday series. She graciously re-recorded her testimony for us to be blessed with on the You Were Made for More Podcast. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookInstagram

    Episode 100: Uncertainty and Open Hands in Hard Times (With Chaley Knight)

  7. 11/17/2025

    Episode 99: Adoption As An Act of the Gospel (With Johnston Moore and Chris Johnson)

    November is Adoption Awareness Month!  This month specifically is meant to raise awareness about adoption, celebrate families formed through adoption, and highlight the need for permanent homes for children in foster care. On this episode of the podcast, Sammie's friend and coworker, Johnston Moore, sits down and has a conversation with Chris Johnson, a pastor and adoptive dad who works with church engagement at Lifeline Children's Services. The two discuss Chris's background, family life, and testimony - which inevitably dives into a conversation related to God’s call to the Church, and to individual Christians, to care for vulnerable children and their families, whether biological, adoptive, or foster.  Johnston Moore serves as the Adoption/Orphan Care Consultant for Anglicans for Life and has been featured on the You Were Made for More podcast before - the perfect reason to invite him in to host an episode! Johnston is charismatic, generous, and has a heart for all of God's children. Chris Johnson serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy at Lifeline Children’s Services. With over two decades of pastoral experience and a background as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives, Chris is a seasoned leader and advocate for vulnerable children and families. A native of metro Atlanta, Georgia, Chris now resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife, Alicia. Together, they have 10 children, seven of whom were adopted from foster care, and are proud grandparents, including two grandchildren adopted through foster care. Their commitment to serving children extends to fostering over 40 children throughout the years, embodying their dedication to family and community. Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Episode 99: Adoption As An Act of the Gospel (With Johnston Moore and Chris Johnson)

  8. 10/27/2025

    Episode 98: Keeping the Light (With Ali Gilkeson)

    I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation today with my new friend, Ali! Chatting with Ali about her new book and about parenting really felt like a hug from the Lord in my own season of parenting little ones an being so intentional about the culture in our home. My prayer is that this book and her wisdom would bless you immensely!  Ali Gilkeson is the author of Keeping the Light, and the New York Times bestselling book, My Lighthouse, as well as an internationally-known performer and speaker. She has traveled the world playing music and sharing stories with the band Rend Collective and is part of Rend Co. Kids, Rend Collective’s ministry creating music that both kids and adults can enjoy. She is a mother of three kids, raising them all on the road since six weeks of age. Ali grew up in Northern Ireland in a time of conflict and uncertainty, a childhood spent always looking over her shoulder but also learning to laugh in the middle of the chaos. Gifted as a communicator, she started traveling around Ireland as a speaker in her early twenties, taking any chance she could to encourage and embolden the young people she met. Ali currently lives in Nashville, TN with her family and is the kind of woman who makes jokes that most people don’t expect, tells captivating stories like you’re round the campfire, and is deeply passionate about raising good humans.  “Son, it’s not our job as lighthouse keepers to decide who does and who does not deserve the light. Our job is to shine the light, no matter what.” (Quote from Keeping the Light) In this book, children will learn… The importance of showing grace and empathy towards othersHow to view difficult people (like bullies) through the eyes of love and understandingHow they possess a special ability to share kindness to the worldHow to be brave when feeling intimidated or insecureBe sure to head over and get your copy, today!  Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message. You Were Made for More Social Media:  FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Episode 98: Keeping the Light (With Ali Gilkeson)
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Ratings & Reviews

3.5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Our hearts yearn for teenagers to know that they are valued, loved, and created for a purpose. Currently, our culture is feeding the younger generations so many lies – telling them that they are defined by what others say about them, how they perform, what they have to offer to others,  or how they fit a certain image.  The Truth speaks of a completely different narrative. Our identities are found in one thing, and that one thing, changes everything: Jesus. That’s a POWERFUL, transformative statement. When this idea gets from our heads to our hearts it shifts how we live, what we believe, and how we do relationships with others. Our mission is to consistently speak about the abundant life that is freely offered to us because we have seen + believe that when teenagers know what they are worth AND whose they are, they will be more inclined to live for Jesus – following His commandments and walking in His ways. God says that you are valued, loved, and created for a purpose! That changes everything. This podcast hosts conversations on tough, relational topics - while connecting relationships, identity, and the Gospel, in profound ways that encourage critical-thinking as we navigate the world around us, always pointing back to the hope that we have because... we were made for more. Music Credit: Matt Stewart from the band Soldiers and Sons (Waynesburg, PA)Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialsoldiersandsons/ This podcast is a project of Abundant Life: You Were Made for More and Anglicans for Life. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sammie Gallo
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 You Were Made for More
  • Show Website
    You Were Made for More