Encounters at the Well

Amy Donathan
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Christianity

Encounters at the Well is a heartfelt and meaningful podcast aimed at creating a supportive community for women in their faith journey. By sharing stories from different stages of life and addressing both the joys and challenges of walking with Jesus, the podcast can offer listeners encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of connection. 

  1. Jun 22

    A Struggle with Behavior Addictions

    Have you ever wondered if a habit that once helped you cope has quietly started controlling you? In this episode of Encounters at the Well, we're talking about behavioral addictions and the subtle ways they can take hold of our hearts and minds. From endless scrolling and shopping to binge-watching, emotional eating, and other compulsive behaviors, we explore why we turn to these things and what true freedom looks like through the lens of faith. Together we'll discuss: • How to recognize when a coping mechanism has become a captor • Why behavioral addictions are often rooted in deeper pain, fear, or unmet needs • The difference between shame and conviction • How our habits can reveal where we're looking for comfort, identity, and security • Practical, faith-filled steps toward healing and freedom The good news is this: God sees your struggle, and He is not intimidated by it. You are not too far gone, too broken, or too stuck. Freedom doesn't begin with shame. It begins with honesty, surrender, and allowing Jesus into the places you've been hiding. If you've ever felt trapped by habits you can't seem to break, this conversation is for you. Grab your coffee, open your heart, and join us at the well as we discover that the only Master worth trusting is Jesus, and the freedom He offers is greater than anything holding you back. #EncountersAtTheWell #FreedomInChrist #ChristianWomen #FaithOverFear #BehavioralAddiction #MentalHealthAndFaith #HealingJourney #IdentityInChrist #BreakingChains #JesusHeals

    41 min

  2. Jun 12

    Struggles with Addiction and Substance

    Have you ever found yourself reaching for something to numb the pain, quiet the anxiety, or escape the overwhelm? In this episode of Encounters at the Well, we're having an honest conversation about substance addiction, numbing behaviors, and the hope of healing through Christ. Addiction often grows in secrecy and isolation, but freedom begins when we bring our struggles into the light and allow God and trusted others to walk with us toward healing. We talk about why addiction is not just a physical battle but also a spiritual and emotional one, how shame keeps us stuck, and the important difference between conviction from the Holy Spirit and condemnation from the enemy. If you've ever felt trapped by a habit, behavior, or substance you can't seem to break free from, this conversation is for you. You'll also hear practical, faith-based steps for recovery, healing, and finding lasting freedom through God's grace and truth. In this episode, we discuss: • Why addiction thrives in secrecy and isolation • The difference between conviction and condemnation • How shame keeps us stuck and grace helps us heal • The importance of community and accountability • Practical steps toward recovery and freedom • Finding hope and healing through Christ No matter how long you've struggled, your story is not over. There is hope, healing, and freedom available to you. Connect with us: Website: hopeandhealingchristianlifecoaching.com If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who may need this message today.

    34 min

  3. Jun 5

    Salvation & Inner Struggles: A Mother-Daughter Conversation

    In this deeply personal episode of Encounters at the Well, I'm joined by my daughter, Alli, as she shares her journey through anxiety, depression, and faith. Together, we have an honest conversation about what it's like to walk through mental health struggles as a Christian, both from the perspective of the person struggling and the family members who love them. Alli opens up about her experiences with anxiety and depression, the challenges she faced during college, her journey to faith, and the reality of continuing to manage her mental health through therapy and medication. We also talk about a difficult crisis season in 2023, the importance of having supportive people around you, and what helped her keep moving forward when life felt overwhelming. If you've ever wondered whether struggling with anxiety or depression means you're failing God, this conversation is for you. We discuss common misconceptions about mental health and faith, the importance of seeking professional help, and why needing support doesn't make you weak. It makes you human. My prayer is that this episode reminds you that you are not alone, your struggles do not define you, and there is hope even in the hardest seasons. In this episode, we discuss: • Alli's journey with anxiety, depression, and faith • The impact of college and life transitions on mental health • Why seeking therapy and taking medication is not a lack of faith • Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges • The importance of community and professional help • Finding hope and strength in Christ during difficult seasons • Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the Christian community No matter where you are in your journey, we hope this conversation encourages you to reach out, seek support, and remember that God's presence is with you in every season.

    1h 48m

  4. May 16

    Anxiety and Depression: Faith Doesn't Always Fix It

    What happens when faith feels strong on the outside… but anxiety and depression are loud on the inside? In this honest conversation, we’re talking about the real struggle so many Christian women face with mental health and why battling anxiety or depression does not mean your faith is weak. We dive into the intersection of faith and mental health, the role the church can play in healing, and why therapy can be a beautiful tool God uses in the process. We also look at biblical examples of people who struggled deeply and remind ourselves that God is not intimidated by our pain, questions, or hard seasons. If you’ve ever felt ashamed for struggling, this episode is for you. You are not failing God. You are human, deeply loved, and worthy of support and healing. ✨ Takeaways: • Faith and mental health are not in competition • Struggling mentally is not a sign of spiritual failure • Therapy and biblical truth can work together • God meets us with compassion in our hardest moments I pray this conversation encourages you to take one more step toward healing, freedom, and hope. 🤍

    30 min

  5. May 9

    Approval Addiction

    The series explores themes of comparison, body image, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and approval addiction. It delves into the impact of social media, seeking external validation, and the struggle with self-worth. The episodes emphasize embracing God's view of identity, freedom from human judgment, and anchoring identity in Christ's love and acceptance. Takeaways Embrace God's view of identityShift focus to God's approval Chapters 00:00 Comparison and Social Media Trap06:16 Identity in Christ and Trusting God11:59 Defining Approval Addiction18:14 Freedom from Condemnation24:43 Accepting God's Unchanging Love30:33 Living Free of Comparison and People-Pleasing

    33 min

  6. May 1

    Perfectionism

    The conversation delves into the topic of perfectionism and its impact on self-worth and faith. It explores the rewards and consequences of perfectionism, its roots, and its influence on one's relationship with God. The episode concludes with practical steps to overcome perfectionism and live from a place of 'I am enough.' Takeaways Perfectionism as a form of controlThe impact of perfectionism on faith and self-worth Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perfectionism07:52 The Root of Perfectionism18:05 Perfectionism in Faith22:53 Surrendering Perfectionism

    32 min

  7. Apr 17

    People Pleasing vs. God Pleasing

    The episode explores the theme of people-pleasing and the impact of performance-based worth on individuals. It emphasizes the contrast between people-pleasing and God-pleasing, highlighting the freedom and assurance found in God's love and acceptance. Takeaways Performance-based worth leads to people-pleasing and a constant need for approval.God's love and acceptance provide freedom from the burden of people-pleasing and the assurance of worth.Living from a place of God-pleasing rather than people-pleasing brings freedom and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Freedom from People-Pleasing

    27 min

  8. Apr 10

    Body Image, Aging, and Our Identity in Christ

    The conversation explores the topics of body image, aging, and identity in Christ, focusing on the experiences and insights of Jessica Nelson, a gerontology professional. It delves into the cultural messages about aging, the importance of health, and the need to embrace aging while prioritizing self-care and mental well-being. The conversation explores the themes of embracing aging with grace, the impact of faith on aging, the lies women believe about aging, the joy of aging, and practical steps for embracing aging. It emphasizes the importance of volunteering and highlights the positive aspects of aging, encouraging a shift in mindset and behavior. Takeaways Body image and agingIdentity in Christ Embracing aging with graceThe importance of volunteering Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Struggles07:13 Aging and Identity in Gerontology12:59 Cultural Messages About Aging25:29 Embracing Aging and Self-Care32:01 Embracing Aging with Grace39:36 The Lies Women Believe About Aging50:29 The Joy of Aging56:07 Practical Steps for Embracing Aging

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Encounters at the Well is a heartfelt and meaningful podcast aimed at creating a supportive community for women in their faith journey. By sharing stories from different stages of life and addressing both the joys and challenges of walking with Jesus, the podcast can offer listeners encouragement, inspiration, and a sense of connection. 

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Donathan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Amy Donathan
  • Show Website
    Encounters at the Well