Finding Something Real Podcast

Janell Wood

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?

  1. 1d ago

    God, Do You Even See Me? with Lydia Dicas

    Happy Wednesday!    We have a special episode for you today as we're joined by worship leader Lydia Dicas, along with four of our amazing co-hosts: Jeanine, Christie, Katelyn, and Sarah.   In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Lydia shares her journey of living with chronic illness and the tension of holding onto faith while serving in ministry. As someone who has led countless people into worship and witnessed God heal others, she vulnerably opens up about what it's like to still be waiting for her own healing.   Jeanine, who also lives with chronic illness, shares her own story as the two reflect on the realities of daily pain, seasons of hopelessness, and the questions that often accompany suffering. Together, they reveal the profound ways they've encountered God's presence in the midst of their pain—discovering a closeness with the Father that many may never experience apart from hardship.   Whether you're navigating suffering yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply longing to deepen your faith, we pray this conversation encourages you. Our hope is that you'll walk away inspired to embrace the beauty found in life's simple moments and to trust that God is near, even in the waiting.     About Lydia: Lydia Dicas is a worship leader whose life and ministry have been deeply shaped by a lifelong journey with chronic physical pain and an unwavering faith in God. Living with persistent symptoms—including migraines, nerve pain, muscle pain, and chronic illness that has never been definitively diagnosed—Lydia has experienced both the hope of healing and the heartbreak of recurring setbacks. A slipped disc several years ago further intensified her daily struggles, making pain a constant companion.   Despite these challenges, Lydia's testimony is one of resilience, honesty, and deep intimacy with God. She openly shares the emotional realities of living with chronic pain—the cycles of hope, disappointment, surrender, and renewed trust—while encouraging others to pursue God's presence in the midst of suffering. As both a worship leader and a mother, Lydia's life reflects a faith that is refined through hardship rather than defined by it. Her story reminds others that even when healing seems delayed, intimacy with God remains the greatest source of strength, hope, and peace.     -- -- -- -- --    LINKS   Freedom Through Christ: Deliverance, Spiritual Gifts & Generational Sin   Can Christians Have Generational Curses? with Joshua Lewis (part 1)   God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul & Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    1h 9m
  2. Jul 1

    Freedom Through Christ: Deliverance, Spiritual Gifts, & Generational Sin with Joshua Lewis (part 2)

    Happy Wednesday!   We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Joshua Lewis!   If you joined us last week, you heard us dive into deliverance, spiritual warfare, and generational curses. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, we highly recommend starting there before jumping into this episode.   In Part 2, we continue the conversation by exploring the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We discuss prophecy—how to discern when a prophetic word is truly from God, what biblical prophecy should look like, and how to wisely test what we hear. We also talk about discovering and developing your spiritual gifts, especially if you're unsure what they are or whether God has given them to you.   Our prayer is that this conversation brings greater biblical understanding, encouragement, and confidence as you navigate spiritual warfare and the supernatural aspects of the Christian faith.   We’re incredibly grateful to Joshua for taking the time to answer our questions with wisdom, grace, and a heart for the Church. This conversation was a sweet answered prayer for Ana, and we pray it will be a blessing to everyone who listens.   We hope you enjoy Part 2!  About Joshua Lewis:   Joshua Lewis serves as lead elder and teaching pastor for King's Fellowship in Ada, Oklahoma. He has a background in biblical studies and ministry, and has continued his theological development through years of pastoral work, extensive reading, and ongoing engagement with leading Christian thinkers. As founder and host of The Remnant Radio, he has interviewed more than 400 theologians, authors, and ministry leaders, reading their wide array of work.   Joshua married Jocelyn Lewis in 2012, and they have been happily married with three small children. With a background in classical Pentecostal tradition (Assemblies of God), Josh wanted to break the traditional mold of anti-intellectualism that he found so prominent in the charismatic church. Thus Josh live-streamed the first episode of The Remnant Radio in July 2017.   Though Josh no longer finds himself in the classical Pentecostal traditions, his desire to help charismatics bridge the gap between Word and Spirit remains one of his driving motivators as a charismatic evangelical.     https://www.theremnantradio.com/   -- -- -- -- --    LINKS   Can Christians Have Generational Curses? with Joshua Lewis (part 1)   https://www.theremnantradio.com/   Generational Curses, Demons & Deliverance with Michael Miller   God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul & Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal   Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    1h 12m
  3. Jun 24

    Can Christians Have Generational Curses? with Joshua Lewis (part 1)

    Happy Wednesday!   We are so excited for this episode! We are joined by special guest Joshua Lewis and our co-host Ana.   Ana is one of our co-hosts this season, and one of the topics she has been eagerly waiting to discuss is deliverance. It's a subject that sparks a lot of questions, strong opinions, and sometimes confusion within the Church. Along with deliverance, we dive into another controversial topic: generational curses. Both of these topics have played a significant role in Ana's personal story and faith journey.   In this honest and thoughtful conversation, Joshua helps us unpack common misconceptions surrounding deliverance, addresses some of the harm and abuse that have occurred in the Church regarding this topic, and points us back to what Scripture actually teaches. Together, we explore what it means to be set free by Jesus, how spiritual oppression differs from possession, and how Christians can approach these conversations with both wisdom and biblical discernment.   Deliverance is often misunderstood, sensationalized, or avoided altogether. But what if the Bible has more to say about it than we realize?    Whether you're curious, skeptical, or have personal experiences with deliverance ministry, this episode offers a balanced and insightful look at a topic that many believers wrestle with.   Deliverance: to be rescued or set free by God from danger, bondage, or oppression.   This is Part 1 of an incredible conversation that quickly became one of our favorite episodes of the season. Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2!   We pray this conversation encourages you to seek truth, find freedom in Christ, and deepen your understanding of God's power and love. About Joshua Lewis:   Joshua Lewis serves as lead elder and teaching pastor for King's Fellowship in Ada, Oklahoma. He has a background in biblical studies and ministry, and has continued his theological development through years of pastoral work, extensive reading, and ongoing engagement with leading Christian thinkers. As founder and host of The Remnant Radio, he has interviewed more than 400 theologians, authors, and ministry leaders, reading their wide array of work.   Joshua married Jocelyn Lewis in 2012, and they have been happily married with three small children. With a background in classical Pentecostal tradition (Assemblies of God), Josh wanted to break the traditional mold of anti-intellectualism that he found so prominent in the charismatic church. Thus Josh live-streamed the first episode of The Remnant Radio in July 2017.   Though Josh no longer finds himself in the classical Pentecostal traditions, his desire to help charismatics bridge the gap between Word and Spirit remains one of his driving motivators as a charismatic evangelical.       -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.theremnantradio.com/   Generational Curses, Demons & Deliverance with Michael Miller   God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul & Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    1h 9m
  4. Jun 17

    God Wants You Whole (Body, Soul and Spirit) with Dr. Tanya Paynter

    Happy Wednesday!   Today we are joined by special guest Dr. Tanya Paynter, along with our host and co-host, Ana and Janell.   As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Tanya has the unique opportunity to integrate her faith into her practice every day. Through her work, she has seen firsthand how God's design for our minds, bodies, and spirits aligns with both Scripture and science.   In this conversation, we dive into some powerful and often difficult topics. We discuss the shame and disappointment people can experience when healing doesn't come the way they hoped. We talk about how our thoughts, stress, and emotional wounds can impact our physical health, and why bringing our honest emotions to God is often far more healing than suppressing them.   We also explore faith crises, emotional health, and the importance of creating space for grief, doubt, and difficult questions in our relationship with God. Dr. Tanya shares practical wisdom and biblical insight on how God meets us in our pain and invites us into deeper healing.   Whether you're navigating chronic illness, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or simply wanting to better understand the connection between faith and health, this conversation is full of encouragement and hope.     About Dr. Tanya    Dr. Tanya Paynter is a licensed naturopathic physician, Christian apologist, speaker, and host of The Christian Clinician podcast. She helps women understand how their relationship with God shapes the stress response, nervous system regulation, physiology, and overall health.   Through her podcast, speaking, and her community, the Christian Women’s Health Fellowship, she integrates functional medicine, biblical truth, and apologetics to address chronic stress, spiritual struggle, isolation, and physical symptoms, helping women pursue Christ-centered restoration with functional clinical care.   We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!         -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.psalmmedical.com/   When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    1h 1m
  5. Jun 10

    When the Suffering Won't End - Jeanine's Story

    Happy Wednesday!   We are thrilled to introduce another one of our co-hosts this season, Jeanine.   If you've spent any time around Jeanine, you've likely experienced her joy, kindness, and unwavering love for Jesus. She radiates God's light wherever she goes, but behind her bright smile is a journey marked by deep suffering and perseverance.   For more than 12 years, Jeanine has battled Lyme disease along with numerous other chronic health challenges. In this episode, she shares her honest struggle with unanswered prayers, the pain of waiting, and the difficult questions that arise when healing doesn't come.   Why do some people experience miraculous healing while others continue to suffer? How do we hold onto hope when our circumstances don't change? What does faith look like in the middle of disappointment and uncertainty? Jeanine vulnerably shares her story of wrestling with God, navigating a crisis of hope, and discovering His presence even in the midst of ongoing pain.   This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging for anyone who has ever questioned God's timing, struggled with suffering, or wondered if He still sees them in their pain.   We hope you'll join us for this powerful episode and keep Jeanine in your prayers as she continues her journey of faith and healing.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allan   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    58 min
  6. Jun 3

    The Problem Isn't Always Evidence with Rick Allen

    Happy Wednesday!   Today we're joined by returning guest Rick Allan, along with our co-hosts Sarah and Katelyn.   Rick was once an atheist whose skepticism drove him to take a deep dive into the evidence for Christianity. What began as an investigation eventually led him to discover what he believes was overwhelming evidence for the truth of the Christian faith.   In this episode, we go beyond discussing historical evidence, apologetics, and arguments for God's existence. We explore a deeper question: What happens when the evidence points to Jesus, but someone still struggles to believe or surrender their life to Him?   Together, we discuss the difference between intellectual belief and personal commitment, the barriers that can keep people from embracing faith, and why the greatest obstacle to Christianity is not always a lack of evidence.   Whether you're a skeptic, a seeker, or a lifelong believer, this conversation will challenge you to consider what it means to follow the truth wherever it leads. About Rick:  Rick Allan, Speaker/Author, is a self-professed skeptic and former atheist turned Christian. As an atheist he was attending church services only to support his wife, believing much of what he heard was simply a made-up story. However, he came to realize his belief was apathetic, based only on anecdotal evidence and opinions. So, he began a journey, “A Skeptics Journey”, to investigate the evidence for himself. He discovered there was substantial evidence for both God and Christianity.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.askepticsjourney.com/   New Age vs. New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    1 hr
  7. May 27

    New Age vs New Thought? with Melissa Dougherty

    Happy Wednesday!   Today we are joined by guest Melissa Dougherty alongside our host and co-host, Janell and Sarah.   In this episode, we dive into the growing influence of New Age beliefs and New Thought theology — ideas that have subtly made their way into the church and Christian culture. We tackle questions many believers are asking today: Is the Enneagram demonic? Is yoga okay for Christians? Why are so many Christians blending biblical truth with New Age practices?   Melissa helps break down the key differences between New Age and New Thought, exposing how these belief systems can distort the Gospel while also encouraging Christians to pursue discernment and biblical truth.   We hope this thought-provoking conversation challenges, equips, and encourages you in your walk with Christ.     About Melissa: Melissa Dougherty is a Christian Apologist best known for her YouTube channel, where she covers a variety of theological topics. In addition to her theological and cultural discussions, she engages her audience with satirical skits and hosts a range of esteemed guests. Academically, she has earned Associate degrees in both Early Childhood Multicultural Education and Liberal Arts. Furthermore, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from Southern Evangelical Seminary and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Christian Apologetics from the same institution. Melissa resides in New Mexico with her husband and their two daughters.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://www.melissadougherty.co/about   Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    59 min
  8. May 20

    Are Jesus and God the Same? with Erin Baumgaertel

    Happy Wednesday!   This week we are joined by guest Erin Baumgaertel for a conversation on one of the most foundational — and most misunderstood — topics in Christianity: the Trinity. Together we dive into questions like: Are Jesus and God the same? How does the Trinity actually work? And what makes the Christian understanding of God distinct from beliefs held by groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons? This episode is thoughtful, biblical, and packed with insight to help you better understand the nature of God and grow in confidence when defending your faith. We hope this conversation encourages you and deepens your understanding of who God is.     -- -- -- -- -- LINKS   https://ses.edu/people/erin-baumgaertel/   Delighting in the Love of God with Stephanie Rousselle   Taking Back Your Thoughts with Mary Rooney Armand   The Gift of Desperation with Shelli Strickland   How Do I Know God's Will For My Life? - Cailee's Story   I Was Trying to Prove Atheism with Mary Jo Sharp   The Kingdom of God Starts Now with Brant Hansen   The Gospel is Offensive with Adam and Candice Coleman   Taking Back Your Power Through Forgiveness with Amy Orr-Ewing   Does My Suffering Have Any Meaning with Allen Crostic   How Can I Defend Being a Christian? with Ryan Pauly   I Was Running Away From God with Travis Monen   How to Navigate Relationships in a Godly Way   Can Christian's Struggle with Mental Health? - Christie's Story     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

    1h 4m
5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

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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