Beyond Coincidence Podcast

Sheila Layton

Beyond Coincidence is a podcast exploring how the divine touches our daily lives. Hosted by Sheila Layton, the show shares powerful stories of people who have experienced undeniable moments of divine intervention, guidance, or inspiration. Through personal stories and uplifting discussions, each episode reveals how what seems like coincidence may be a higher power at work. Whether you seek comfort, inspiration, or deeper faith, Beyond Coincidence offers a space to connect with the miraculous in the ordinary.

  1. 6d ago

    Ep 112: Aubrey Grossen — Finding Christ in the Darkness of Postpartum Depression

    What happens when depression makes it difficult to feel God's presence, even when faith has always been part of your life? Author, speaker, and coach Aubrey Grossen shares her deeply personal journey through severe postpartum depression and anxiety, the moments that challenged her testimony, and the ways she came to recognize Jesus Christ's presence through some of the darkest seasons of her life. Aubrey grew up surrounded by parents and grandparents whose strong testimonies helped her develop her own faith. As an eight-year-old girl, she remembers feeling a set of hands pushing her forward when she was too frightened to bear her testimony in church. That experience, along with other moments of feeling supported and protected, helped establish her belief that the Lord was there for her. Years later, after the births of her children, Aubrey experienced severe postpartum depression. Following the birth of her son, her symptoms became especially serious, and she eventually recognized that she needed professional help. A family member's sincere question about how she was really doing helped her begin to acknowledge what she was experiencing and take steps toward support and treatment. But her faith journey continued to be tested. After her husband, Shay, was called as a bishop shortly after their fourth child was born, Aubrey felt the familiar darkness of postpartum depression return. She struggled with difficult questions about God and described feeling as though a blanket of darkness kept her from seeing the “music of the gospel.” Yet, as she looks back, she recognizes the ways Christ's love reached her through the people around her. Neighbors replaced a broken dishwasher, helped get her children to church, and offered practical support when everyday responsibilities felt overwhelming. Her ward community became a source of love and connection during a season when she desperately needed it. Aubrey also shares why she eventually had to set aside the podcasts, talks, and other resources she had relied on and turn to God herself. She needed to build a relationship with Jesus Christ apart from everything else—to return to the foundation of her faith and choose to show up for Him because she knew He showed up for her. In this conversation, Aubrey discusses: - The childhood experiences that helped her recognize God's support - Living through severe postpartum depression and anxiety - Recognizing when she needed professional mental health support - Wrestling with questions about God during a season of darkness - Finding Christ's love through the people who stepped in to help - Learning to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - Writing "He Came for Me: Stories of Christ Coming to Modern Day Women" - Her devotional journal "He Is", exploring the names and roles of Christ - Creating ANYA (A New You Again in Christ), a community where women can find friendship, faith, and support - Why recognizing God's hand in our lives can shift our perspective Aubrey's story offers an honest look at the relationship between faith and mental health. Her experience reminds us that struggling to feel God's presence doesn't mean we have to face our struggles alone, and seeking professional help can be an important part of moving forward. Sometimes, we recognize the hand of God only when we look back and see the people, moments, and unexpected acts of kindness that helped carry us through. Where have you seen God show up in your life, especially during a season when it was difficult to feel Him? Listen to Aubrey Grossen on Beyond Coincidence, a podcast exploring real stories of faith, God's presence, and the moments that make us wonder whether something is more than coincidence. Find Aubrey on Instagram at @aubreygrossen and online at aubreygrossen.com. Learn more about ANYA at @anewyouagaininchrist. #BeyondCoincidence #AubreyGrossen #FaithJourney #PostpartumDepression #FaithAndMentalHealth #JesusChrist #GodInEverydayLife #FindingHope

  2. Oct 16

    Ep 111: Courtney Rich — Finding Her Own Testimony and Recognizing God’s Quiet Guidance

    What happens when you’re waiting for a big answer from God—and instead, you receive something quiet and simple? Courtney Rich, creator of Cake by Courtney and a mother of two, grew up with faith as an important part of her life. But when her parents divorced, she began wrestling with questions about her family and what it meant eternally. For years, she leaned on the examples of her parents and family members while trying to understand her own faith. It wasn’t until adulthood, after becoming a mother herself and experiencing a difficult season with depression, that Courtney realized she needed to discover her testimony for herself. A friend encouraged her to study the life of the Savior. Courtney spent an entire summer diving into the scriptures, with a simple hope: to feel seen by Him. At a women’s retreat, she expected perhaps a powerful spiritual experience—a “lightning bolt” of an answer. Instead, on the final day, she received a quiet impression: “There is a place for you. I need you.” That simple moment became a turning point. In this conversation, Courtney shares how that experience changed her understanding of the Spirit, why she believes getting to know the Savior personally matters, and how she began keeping a “book of evidences”—a record of the moments when she has recognized God’s presence and felt the Spirit. She also talks about how those experiences have shaped her marriage, her family, and the way she teaches her children to recognize the Spirit for themselves. For Courtney, the hand of God doesn’t mean life without difficulty or answers to every question. It means knowing that God sees her, trusting that He keeps His promises, and seeking His direction. How else do we have hope? Listen to Courtney’s story on Beyond Coincidence and consider your own: Where have you seen God show up in your life? Follow Courtney on Instagram @cakebycourtney where she shares her baking tips, recipes, and more. #BeyondCoincidence #CourtneyRich #FaithJourney #GodInEverydayLife #GodMoments #DivineGuidance #PersonalTestimony #FeelingTheSpirit

  3. Oct 9

    Ep 110: Brent & Mikaela Wyatt: Recognizing the Hand of God in the Unexpected

    Brent and Mikaela Wyatt's story is filled with moments they believe show the hand of God in their lives. Childhood sweethearts who eventually married, they dreamed of starting a family. Instead, they found themselves on a 15-year journey through infertility, IVF, adoption, uncertainty, disappointment, and prayer. But their story began long before their journey to parenthood. Brent grew up with family prayer as an important part of his life. He shares how a simple prayer in sixth grade—about not wanting to smell during gym class—became an early lesson that God may answer prayers in ways we don't expect. Mikaela's faith journey was different. After meeting Brent, she began questioning what she believed for herself. During a difficult time when she was worried about Brent's safety, she prayed for an answer. What followed were three moments of light that she came to see as answers: a light through a window, a rainbow on a cold winter day, and a shooting star on the way to her baptism. Years later, the question of God's hand became deeply personal again as Brent and Mikaela struggled to build their family. Their adoption of Reece involved COVID shutdowns, an unexpected opportunity, complicated custody circumstances, years of waiting, and prayers for a miracle. It took 3½ years before they were finally able to adopt her. Then came Teagon. Another unexpected opportunity. Another complicated situation. The same attorney. A neighbor who knew a baby was available. A caseworker. A phone call. The right people appearing at the right moments. Brent and Mikaela describe it as a series of circumstances that seemed to be orchestrated in a way they could not have planned themselves. Their story raises a powerful question: How do we recognize the hand of God in our lives when we're in the middle of circumstances we don't understand? For Brent and Mikaela, recognizing those moments brings reassurance that they are not alone or abandoned—and helps them take the next step, even when life feels dark. Brent and Mikaela also host Angels Among Us, where they share real stories about real people. Listen to their full conversation on Beyond Coincidence. #BeyondCoincidence #GodsHand #GodMoments #AnsweredPrayer #DivineTiming #FaithJourney #AdoptionJourney #InfertilityJourney #FaithStories #GodInEverydayLife @AngelsAmongUsPodcast

  4. Oct 2

    Ep 109: God Is Still in the Story: Jevonne & Michaelle Branch on Faith, Marriage & Restoration

    Jevonne and Michaelle Branch know what it means to experience both darkness and light. Their story includes difficult childhoods, divorce, illness, depression, betrayal, a struggling marriage, and moments when they weren't sure what would happen next. But through it all, they discovered a truth that now anchors their family: God is still in the story. Michaelle's faith journey began when she was 12 years old, during a difficult season when her parents were divorcing. Her mother encountered missionaries and joined the Church, and Michaelle began learning about the gospel. At first, she leaned on her mother's testimony. Eventually, she developed her own. Jevonne's path to faith was much more complicated. Taken from his parents at four, he spent years moving through foster homes and experiencing abuse, neglect, and abandonment. By his teenage years, he was angry and couldn't understand why God would allow so much pain. His journey toward God began through friendship and small experiences that challenged what he thought he knew. Then came Michaelle. Their relationship itself became one of the ways they recognized God's hand. They were very different people who likely would never have pursued one another if circumstances hadn't brought them together. Friendship allowed Michaelle to see the tender person underneath Jevonne's hardened exterior. But their marriage eventually entered an incredibly difficult season. After Jevonne became seriously ill, his health struggles affected his identity and self-worth. He spiraled into depression and made choices that deeply wounded their marriage. Michaelle found herself becoming his caretaker, advocate, and spiritual support. During that season, she created a prayer closet in their home and spent significant time there seeking God's direction. When she was considering leaving, she prayed for an answer. She felt prompted to stay and work toward restoration. But eventually, Jevonne had to make his own choice. At one of his lowest points, he asked: “What do I have to lose to do it Your way?” That question became a turning point. With the support of his bishop, Jevonne began the difficult process of repentance, making amends, and rebuilding what had been damaged. But perhaps the deepest healing was learning to believe that he was worthy of being loved. Today, Jevonne and Michaelle are parents, grandparents, and a blended family of five children. They continue to navigate the everyday realities of raising two daughters on the autism spectrum while supporting their older children and grandchildren. Their story isn't about pretending the hard things didn't happen. It's about what they discovered on the other side of them. God's love is still there. God can meet us in our brokenness. And sometimes, restoration begins with nothing more complicated than turning toward Him and saying: “I need You.” They have seen enough darkness to recognize the light. And their message is one they now share with others: God is still in the story. Listen to Jevonne and Michaelle's full conversation, and consider your own story: Where have you seen God working in a chapter you didn't understand at the time? Follow their journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @thebranchfamchronicals. #TheBranchFamChronicals #GodIsStillInTheStory #HandOfGod #FaithAndHealing #MarriageAndFaith #LatterDaySaint #LDSFamily #GodsLove #Restoration #JesusChrist

  5. Sep 25

    Ep 108: Chasing Peace Behind the Wheel with Amanda Sorensen

    Amanda Sorensen knows what it feels like to perform under pressure. As a 23-year-old Formula Drift driver and the first female driver to earn a podium finish in the series, she has learned to control her nerves, focus her energy, and prepare relentlessly. But there's another kind of preparation she relies on every time she gets behind the wheel: prayer. Amanda grew up surrounded by racing. From BMX bikes to kart racing to becoming a championship-winning young driver, the racetrack has been a central part of her life. Today, racing is not only her career—it has become a family career, with her entire family continuing to work together in the sport. Her faith has been woven into that journey as well. Growing up, Amanda was homeschooled, attended Young Women activities despite her family's constant travel, and found friends who became important anchors in both her faith and her life. But traveling with a racing crew when she was younger challenged her beliefs and caused her to seriously reflect on what she believed, why she believed it, and what her purpose was. One of the experiences that stayed with her happened in Brazil, when she lost her phone in chest-deep water. Remembering a childhood friend who would turn to the Lord whenever there was a problem, Amanda decided to pray. Then a friend surfaced from the water holding her phone. It was a simple experience, but Amanda says it opened her eyes to something profound: Heavenly Father was aware of her. That awareness has continued to shape the way she races. Before getting behind the wheel, Amanda prays. She faces tremendous pressure and nerves as a woman competing in a male-dominated sport, and prayer helps her find comfort and strength. She also remembers a frightening moment when she was younger and the brakes failed on her car. She prayed for help to stop and was able to reach a safe place. That experience became another reminder that her prayers could be answered. Today, Amanda says she can recognize the difference between having God's hand in her life and trying to navigate without it. Her faith gives her a moral foundation. Her preparation gives her confidence. And through it all, she says she is chasing peace. Her story is a powerful reminder that recognizing God's hand doesn't always mean waiting for a dramatic miracle. Sometimes it means noticing the small moments, remembering the people who taught us to turn to God, and developing a relationship with Him strong enough to carry us through the pressure. Listen to Amanda's story and then ask yourself: Where have I seen evidence that God is aware of me? Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones that strengthen our faith the most. Follow Amanda Sorensen: Instagram: @amanda.sorensen12 TikTok: @amanda_sorensen Facebook & YouTube: @amandasorensen #AmandaSorensen #FormulaDrift #Motorsports #WomenInMotorsports #HandOfGod #FaithJourney #Prayer #FaithInAction #LatterDaySaint #ChasingPeace

  6. Sep 18

    Ep 107: When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan with Arantza Condie

    When everything you've planned for your life starts falling apart, where do you turn? Arantza Condie grew up Catholic and always had a quiet sense that God was real and that He saw her. But as life became more complicated, that faith became something she needed to discover for herself. Becoming a mother awakened a deeper need for God. Then, during one of the darkest seasons of her life, Arantza realized she couldn't keep trying to carry everything on her own. She began investigating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and one unexpected moment with her young son helped her understand something she had been searching for: the eternal nature of families. Her conversion journey ultimately led her to baptism—even though her husband wasn't a believer and was an ex-Mormon himself. Today, Arantza and her husband navigate an interfaith marriage with open communication and a shared commitment to their children. Her story is a beautiful reminder that faith doesn't always arrive in one dramatic moment. Sometimes it grows through a series of promptings, questions, relationships, and small moments where God reminds us that He is there. And perhaps most importantly, Arantza reminds us that if we don't intentionally look for God's hand in our lives, our struggles can become so loud that they swallow up the good around us. Follow Arantza's in her journey on Instagram @arantza_condie. Listen to Arantza's full story, then take a few minutes to think about your own. Where have you seen God's hand in your life—even in circumstances that didn't turn out the way you expected? If this conversation encouraged you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who may need a reminder to look for God in the middle of their own story. #HandOfGod #FaithJourney #ConversionStory #ChristianPodcast #LDSFaith #ComeUntoChrist #TrustGod #FaithInJesusChrist #GodIsWithUs #RecognizeHisHand

  7. Sep 11

    Ep 106: The Detours That Led Him to God with Tyrone Foster

    What if the moments you thought were mistakes, setbacks, or disappointments were actually guiding you toward something greater? In this episode, Tyrone Foster shares a remarkable journey of loss, faith, unexpected connections, and learning to recognize God's hand in his life. Tyrone lost his father while serving aboard the USS Stark when Tyrone was just five years old. As he grew up, he carried questions, anger, and a desire to understand the purpose behind the experiences that had shaped him. From discovering his father's hopes for his family to meeting mentors who encouraged him to seek God, Tyrone's life was filled with moments that slowly pointed him toward faith. But one of the biggest turning points came through what initially felt like failure. A college setback forced Tyrone to change his plans—and ultimately led him to a roommate named Vernon, the same name as his father. Through that relationship and a series of seemingly ordinary encounters, Tyrone began discovering a God who was aware of him and guiding him. This is a conversation about looking back, connecting the dots, finding purpose in painful experiences, and developing gratitude for a loving God who may be working in our lives long before we recognize His hand. If this episode touched you, please follow or subscribe to the podcast and share it with someone who may be going through a season of uncertainty. And as you listen, take a moment to look back at your own life. What people, detours, disappointments, or unexpected moments may have been guiding you toward where you are today? #Podcast #FaithJourney #HandOfGod #TrustGod #FindingPurpose #ChristianPodcast #GodsPlan #PersonalGrowth #Gratitude #FaithStories

  8. Sep 4

    Ep 105: When You Run to Jesus, He Can Make Something Out of Nothing | Conlon Bonner

    What do you do when the thing you prayed would never happen becomes your reality? For Conlon Bonner, losing his baby son Joshua changed everything—but it also deepened his determination to run to Jesus Christ. Conlon Bonner is a performer, singer, father, and member of the Bonner Family. But behind the music and performances is a father who has walked through profound grief. When Conlon and his wife lost their 9-month-old son, Joshua, to SIDS, there was no easy explanation and no way to make the pain disappear. Conlon says the only way their family made it through was to **“run to Jesus Christ.”** Then, in the middle of that grief, a song he was scheduled to sing suddenly carried an entirely different meaning. The words, “I know that Your plan is perfect, and every step toward You is worth it,” became part of his healing. And then came another leap of faith. When Conlon prayed about pursuing Broadway, the answer was simply, “Go for it.” Within hours, doors began opening—an audition, a delayed flight, an Equity card, connections with agencies—and eventually a role in MJ the Musical Australia. His sons even auditioned and joined him. Conlon doesn't see these moments as coincidence. He sees the hand of God in the middle of both the heartbreak and the miracles. Listen to Conlon's full story and hear why he believes God can “make something out of nothing.” Then share this episode with someone who needs a little more faith, peace, or hope today. #SeeingTheHandOfGod #ConlanBonner #FaithInJesusChrist #TrustInGod #FaithThroughHardThings #GodIsWithUs #Miracles #HopeInChrist #HealingThroughFaith #JesusChrist

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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Beyond Coincidence is a podcast exploring how the divine touches our daily lives. Hosted by Sheila Layton, the show shares powerful stories of people who have experienced undeniable moments of divine intervention, guidance, or inspiration. Through personal stories and uplifting discussions, each episode reveals how what seems like coincidence may be a higher power at work. Whether you seek comfort, inspiration, or deeper faith, Beyond Coincidence offers a space to connect with the miraculous in the ordinary.

Information

  • Creator
    Sheila Layton
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond Coincidence Podcast
  • Show Website
    Beyond Coincidence Podcast

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