Rooted and Real : Raw Discussions

AJ Riley
  • 4.6 (11)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

Rooted & Real is a laid-back, no-frills podcast where faith meets everyday life. Hosted by just a regular guy, this show offers honest, down-to-earth conversations about the Bible, personal growth, and navigating life with purpose. No preaching, no pressure—just real talk, a little reflection, and a whole lot of grace. Whether you're deep in your faith or just curious, pull up a chair and join the conversation.

  1. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    BONUS EPISODE: Halloween: The History, the Mess, and What We Do With It

    Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions | Special Halloween Bonus Episode How did an ancient festival marking the arrival of winter somehow turn into a night where kids dress like superheroes, strangers hand out candy, and Christians argue about whether any of it is okay? Seriously… how did we get here? Halloween has one of the strangest histories of any holiday we celebrate, and depending on who you ask, it's either completely harmless or something we should stay as far away from as possible. But what if the real story isn't quite what either side thinks? In this special Halloween bonus episode, A.J. Riley digs into the history, mystery, and downright bizarre traditions that shaped the Halloween we know today. We're talking ancient Celtic celebrations, medieval church traditions, wandering spirits, a legendary troublemaker named Stingy Jack, and how Americans somehow turned the whole thing into a multibillion-dollar candy extravaganza. And somewhere between the ghost stories and glowing pumpkins, we're asking some questions worth thinking about. Does a tradition's past determine what it means today? Should Christians avoid Halloween altogether? And are we sometimes more interested in defending our opinions than actually understanding what we believe? This isn't an episode about telling you whether to celebrate Halloween. It's about getting past the exaggerated stories, the arguments, and the assumptions to have a real conversation about history, faith, and personal conviction. Because sometimes the scariest thing isn't what's hiding in the shadows… it's realizing we might not know as much as we thought we did. So grab a cup of coffee, steal a Reese's from the Halloween candy bowl, and pull up a chair. We're digging into the history, the mess, and what we do with it. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Rooted and Real: Raw DiscussionsHosted by A.J. Riley Real conversations about faith, life, struggles, and the questions we don't always have easy answers for. No perfect people. No pretending. Just honest discussions about the things that matter. Opening Theme: "That Rooted and Real Life"Created and Copyrighted by A.J. Riley Closing Theme: "Through it All"Created and Copyrighted by A.J. Riley Instagram: @rootednrealTikTok: @rootedreal4Facebook: Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 🎙️ About the Podcast🎵 Theme Music📱 Stay Connected

    BONUS EPISODE: Halloween: The History, the Mess, and What We Do With It

  2. Oct 26

    "Here I am. Send Me" - Answering the Call

    “Here am I. Send me.” Five simple words. One powerful response. But do we truly understand what they mean? In this episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, A.J. Riley takes an honest look at Isaiah 6:8 and the incredible story surrounding one of the Bible's most recognizable verses. Before Isaiah answered God's call, he encountered God's holiness, recognized his own brokenness, and experienced grace. And when he finally said yes, the assignment wasn't exactly what anyone would consider easy. We explore what it really means to be called by God, how this powerful verse can sometimes be misunderstood or taken out of context, and why obedience isn't always about recognition, success, or doing something extraordinary. Because maybe “Here I am. Send me” isn't about being brave enough to do something big. Maybe it's about being willing to let God use you exactly where you are. The question isn't just where God is sending you. It's whether you're truly available when He calls. 🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw DiscussionsHosted by A.J. Riley Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

  3. Oct 12

    I Believe. Help my Unbelief - A Look at Mark 9 : 14-29

    What do you do when you believe in God, but part of you is still struggling to trust Him? In this one-off episode of Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions, A.J. Riley takes a simple, honest look at Mark 9:14–29 and one of the most relatable prayers in Scripture: “I believe; help my unbelief.” This isn’t a theologian’s breakdown or a polished sermon. It’s a layman opening the Bible and wrestling with faith, doubt, unanswered prayers, disappointment, and what it means to bring our questions to Jesus instead of hiding them. Because maybe faith isn’t pretending we never doubt. Maybe faith is knowing where to take the doubt when it shows up. 🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw DiscussionsHosted by A.J. Riley Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

  4. Sep 28

    The Space Between: Episode 2 - Who am I Without It?

    Getting clean is one thing. Learning how to live differently afterward is another. In Episode 2 of The Space Between, A.J. Riley talks honestly about the reality of recovery—the triggers that don’t simply disappear, the fear of slipping backward, rebuilding trust, and the deeper question that comes when addiction is no longer defining your life: Who am I without it? This episode is about more than staying away from the thing that once controlled you. It’s about finding a new identity, learning how to face life without escaping it, and understanding that recovery isn’t about becoming perfect—it’s about becoming present, honest, and willing to keep moving forward. And ultimately, it’s about surrendering more than the addiction. It’s about surrendering the fight, the shame, the past, and the need to control everything—and trusting God with what comes next. Recovery is hard. Recovery is real. And recovery is possible. 🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions Hosted by A.J. Riley Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

  5. Sep 14

    The Space Between: Episode 1 - I Can Stop When I want

    The Space Between — Episode 1: “I Can Stop Whenever I Want” Addiction rarely starts with someone believing they’re losing control. It starts with relief, escape, comfort—and the belief that stopping will always be easy. In Episode 1 of The Space Between, A.J. Riley takes a raw look at the lies addiction tells us, the shame and secrecy that keep people trapped, and the moment when “I can stop whenever I want” becomes something much harder to believe. This episode isn’t about condemnation. It’s about honesty—recognizing when something has begun controlling us, admitting when our own strength isn’t enough, and understanding that surrendering to God isn’t weakness. It may be the first real step toward freedom. Because sometimes recovery doesn’t begin when everything falls apart. Sometimes it begins with three simple words: “I need help.” 🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw DiscussionsHosted by A.J. Riley Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show themes “Backroads Revival Revived” & “Rooted in the Dark” created and copyrighted by A.J. Riley.

  6. Aug 31

    Hope in a Hurting World Episode 3 : Can Things Really Heal?

    Episode 3 – Can Things Really Get Better? What happens when life doesn’t turn out the way we hoped? When something breaks, a door closes, we fail, or we find ourselves wondering if things will ever actually get better? In the final episode of Hope for a Hurting World, we talk about the difference between optimism and real hope. Through the resurrection of Jesus and the restoration of Peter, we look at why failure doesn’t have to define us, brokenness doesn’t mean finished, and even our darkest chapters don’t have to be our last. This is a conversation about redemption, second chances, new beginnings, and trusting that God can still be working—even when we can’t see what comes next. Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Tik Tok Email the show RootedandReal@yahoo.com Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes "Backroads Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" composed and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

  7. Aug 17

    Hope for a Hurting World Episode 2 : Loneliness

    We’re more connected than ever, yet so many of us still feel alone. In Episode 2 of Hope for a Hurting World, we have an honest conversation about loneliness, friendship, isolation, and our need to truly belong. We look at why being surrounded by people doesn’t always mean we feel known, why real community can be difficult to build, and how Jesus shows us that we were never meant to walk through life alone. Whether you’re going through a lonely season yourself or know someone who is, this episode is a reminder that connection often begins with one simple step—and sometimes, one honest conversation. 🎙️ Rooted and Real: Raw DiscussionsAvailable on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes "Backroads Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" composed and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

  8. Aug 3

    Hope in a Hurting World: Episode 1 - Why is Everyone so Anxious

    Anxiety has become part of everyday life. From endless notifications and busy schedules to uncertainty about the future, it can feel like we're carrying more than we were ever meant to. In the first episode of our new series, Hope for a Hurting World, we take an honest look at why anxiety has become so common and what Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25–34 mean for us today. This isn't a conversation about pretending life is easy—it's about discovering a peace that isn't dependent on perfect circumstances. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or weighed down by worry, this episode is for you. Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more from Rooted and Real: Raw Discussions. Stay Rooted. Stay Real. Show Themes "Backroads Revival Revived" & "Rooted in the Dark" composed and copyrighted by AJ Riley.

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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Rooted & Real is a laid-back, no-frills podcast where faith meets everyday life. Hosted by just a regular guy, this show offers honest, down-to-earth conversations about the Bible, personal growth, and navigating life with purpose. No preaching, no pressure—just real talk, a little reflection, and a whole lot of grace. Whether you're deep in your faith or just curious, pull up a chair and join the conversation.

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