Out of Focus

Shannon Stewart
  • 4.5 (31)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

From chasing perfection to discovering grace — this is my story. I’m Shannon Stewart — runner-up on America’s Next Top Model, Miss Ohio USA, and a woman who once tried to earn love through performance. Out of Focus is a podcast for anyone who’s ever felt disqualified, disappointed, or too far gone. We talk about identity, performance-based faith, the weight of shame, and the grace that meets us in the mess. This is for the ones who silently wonder: “Does my story still matter?” It does. Even when life feels out of focus… God brings clarity. Real stories. Deep truth. Radical grace. New episodes every week — with honest conversations and hope-filled moments that point to Jesus.

  1. 5d ago

    Adrianne Curry: I Was Angry at God—Until I Couldn’t Deny Him Anymore.

    What happens when the God you spent years running from becomes the One you can no longer deny? More than twenty years after Adrianne Curry and Shannon Stewart stood together in the finale of America’s Next Top Model, they sit down for a conversation neither could have imagined having back then. Adrianne opens up about the side of her story many people have never heard—surviving trauma, turning to drugs at a young age, becoming deeply angry with God, and eventually walking away from Christianity altogether. She shares what happened after Top Model, why she blamed God for so much of the pain in her life, and the unexpected moments that began challenging everything she believed. They also talk about the grandmother who never stopped praying for her, the power of loving someone who doesn’t believe what you believe, forgiveness, shame, and the moment Adrianne could no longer deny that Jesus was real. And, of course, after more than two decades of friendship, they look back at Top Model, what really bonded them during that experience, and just how different the two women sitting here today are from the girls who stood together in that finale. If you’re praying for someone who has walked away from God—or maybe you’re the one who has been running—this conversation is a reminder that God can reach a heart in ways we never could. Keep loving. Keep praying. And don’t give up. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise... Instead he is patient with you.” — 2 Peter 3:9 RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  2. Sep 23

    When You Can’t Fix It: Learning to Trust God in the Battle | Psalm 27

    What do you do when you love someone deeply, pray desperately, and realize there is absolutely nothing you can do to fix what they’re going through? In this episode of Out of Focus, Shannon sits down with one of her favorite people, her mom, for a conversation about Psalm 27 and what it really means for God to become the stronghold of our lives. For Shannon’s mom, that truth became deeply personal while watching Shannon battle an eating disorder as a teenager. She loved her, prayed for her, put guardrails around her, and did everything she knew to do. But eventually, she had to face something every parent, spouse, friend, and person who has ever loved someone through a battle understands: there are places we cannot go for another person and things we simply cannot fix. She had to entrust Shannon to God. They talk about the prayers Shannon never heard, the fear her mom was fighting behind the scenes, and the day Shannon woke up and realized the obsession with food that had consumed so much of her life was simply gone. They also talk about other seasons that became what Shannon’s mom calls her “spiritual gyms,” places neither of them would have chosen, but places where God taught them who He really is. Because David didn’t call God his light, salvation, and stronghold from the comfort of an easy life. He learned the character of God in battle. They also talk about fear, surrender, waiting when God seems silent, the temptation to run to people or Google before running to God, and the difference between trusting God and still trying to control the outcome. Maybe you’re in one of those spiritual gyms right now. Maybe you’re praying for someone you love. Maybe you’re waiting for God to move and wondering why He hasn’t yet. Or maybe everything you normally lean on has been stripped away. Shannon and her mom hope this conversation reminds you that the battle you would never have chosen can become the place where you discover something about God you could never have learned from a distance. You may not understand what He is doing yet. You may not even feel Him. But you can keep reaching for His hand and trusting His character. He is still your light. He is still your salvation. And He is still your stronghold. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1 RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  3. Sep 16

    God Can Redeem the Years You Thought You Wasted | Jordan Pruitt on Sobriety, Shame & Starting Again

    What if the years you think you wasted aren't wasted at all? Jordan Pruitt was just 14 years old when a demo recorded for $100 eventually landed in the hands of Hollywood Records. Within months, she went from growing up in a small town with one stoplight to performing for thousands, touring with acts like the Cheetah Girls and becoming part of the Disney music world. But behind the success was a very different story. In this episode of Out of Focus, Shannon sits down with Jordan for an incredibly honest conversation about the years that followed—the pressure of growing up in the spotlight, struggling with comparison and identity, eventually walking away from music, battling alcohol, and reaching a place where she says she didn't even recognize herself anymore. Jordan opens up about getting sober and the difficult first months when she could no longer numb what she was feeling. She shares how therapy, AA, her family, and most importantly her relationship with Jesus became part of rebuilding her life and how sobriety ultimately deepened a faith she had carried since childhood. They also talk about shame, five miscarriages, motherhood, marriage, the hidden seasons of life, and what happens when something you thought God might be finished with begins stirring in your heart again. After nearly 15 years away from music, Jordan is singing again—and remarkably, she's re-recording the very song that helped launch her career as a teenager. She shares the moment Joel 2 reminded her that God can restore what feels lost, the unexpected doors opening without a manager or PR team, and why this time she's determined to let God lead instead of measuring her life by someone else's success. This conversation is for anyone who has ever looked backward and wondered, Did I waste too much time? Did I mess up too badly? Did I miss what God had for me? Jordan's story is a reminder that your lowest chapter doesn't have to become your final one. God is still able to restore, redeem, and breathe life into places you thought were finished. “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...” — Joel 2:25 If you're in a season that feels wasted, hidden, delayed, or impossible to redeem, don't assume God is finished because you can't yet see what He's doing. Keep walking with Him. Keep surrendering what you cannot change. The God who redeems people also knows how to redeem the parts of our stories we thought were lost forever. RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  4. Sep 9

    She Was Kidnapped at 7. What God Did Next Is the Real Miracle | Lauren Burns

    Lauren Burns was kidnapped by her own father at seven years old and taken halfway around the world. But getting rescued wasn't the end of her story. Lauren is back on Out of Focus with Shannon Stewart, and this time Shannon and Lauren are talking about what happened after the rescue. In 1987, Lauren's biological father took her to Jordan with no intention of bringing her home. While her mother prayed and fasted, a team of former military men launched an extraordinary international rescue mission that eventually brought Lauren safely across the border into Israel. It's a story that sounds like a movie. But what makes this conversation so powerful is that Lauren doesn't stop at the miracle. Shannon and Lauren talk about the wounds that followed her home, the anger she carried toward God, and the questions she couldn't shake: If God was good, why had He allowed this to happen in the first place? Lauren shares how the wounds left by her earthly father affected the way she saw her heavenly Father, and how God slowly taught her what a good Father actually looks like. They also talk about her mother's incredible faith, the prayers Lauren discovered years later, what it took to forgive the father who kidnapped her, and why forgiveness doesn't mean pretending something didn't happen or allowing unsafe people back into your life. Lauren's new book, Stolen, tells the full story, but this conversation is a powerful reminder of something we don't want to miss: sometimes the miracle isn't only what God rescues you from. It's what He does in you afterward. Maybe something has been stolen from you. Maybe your story didn't turn out the way you prayed it would. Maybe you're carrying wounds caused by someone who should have protected you. Your pain is real, but it does not get the final word. God is still able to meet you in what was broken, walk with you through the healing, and redeem what you thought could never be restored. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3 RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  5. Sep 2

    How Do You Respond When You've Been Hurt? | What Jesus Says About Conflict, Criticism & Forgiveness

    What if your greatest act of worship isn't how you sing... but how you respond when someone wounds you? On this episode of Out of Focus, Shannon Stewart sits down with her husband, Mike Lee, to discuss one of the greatest challenges every believer will face: conflict. Whether you've been misunderstood, criticized, betrayed, experienced church hurt, or had someone say something that simply wasn't true about you, Scripture offers a better way to respond than our natural instincts. Together, they unpack what God's Word says about conflict, forgiveness, defending ourselves, waiting on God's timing, and choosing a response that reflects Christ instead of our emotions. In this episode, they discuss: • When should you speak and when should you stay silent? • Is it ever okay to defend yourself? • How do you forgive someone who never apologizes? • What does it mean to "leave room for God"? • How can you move forward without becoming bitter? If you've been carrying hurt, replaying conversations in your mind, or wondering what Jesus would have you do next, this conversation will encourage your heart and point you back to Him. Remember, responding like Jesus doesn't mean pretending you weren't hurt. It means trusting God enough to let Him heal your heart while He works in ways you cannot see. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." — Romans 12:21 No matter what you're facing today, don't lose heart. God sees every wound, every tear, and every injustice. Stay faithful. He is still working even when you can't yet see it. RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  6. Aug 26

    She Couldn't Even Say the Name of Jesus... Then She Met Him | Devereux Grace

    She spent years searching for healing. What she never realized was that Jesus had been pursuing her all along. In this episode of Out of Focus, Shannon Stewart sits down with Devereux Grace to share a remarkable story of redemption that points to the relentless love of God. Before Devereux was leading people in worship or boldly proclaiming the gospel, she was carrying deep childhood wounds that shaped the way she viewed herself, others, and even God. As the years passed, she searched for healing in New Age spirituality, witchcraft, relationships, drugs, and anything that promised peace, identity, or control. But every road eventually led to the same place. The healing she was searching for could never be found apart from Jesus Christ. In this honest conversation, Shannon and Devereux explore childhood trauma, identity, forgiveness, spiritual warfare, deliverance, motherhood, and the incredible grace of a Savior who patiently pursued her through every season of her life. This isn't simply a story about leaving New Age behind. It's a story about the love of God meeting someone in their darkest places and completely transforming the direction of their life. Whether you've been following Jesus for years or you're still searching for hope, this episode is a beautiful reminder that no one is too far gone for God's redeeming grace. The same Jesus who transformed Devereux's life is still changing lives today. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." — John 1:5 RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  7. Aug 19

    She Was Waking Up With Panic Attacks… Then God Gave Her a Dream | Brianna Sanchez

    What if the very thing you have begged God to take away becomes part of the story He uses to help someone else? In this episode, Shannon Stewart sits down with Brianna, the woman behind Lion Saddle, and she honestly did not expect their conversation to go as deep as it did. Before Lion Saddle began reaching thousands of people, Brianna was struggling to make it through her own days. She had lived with years of chronic pain, pressure, and anxiety that eventually became so severe she was waking up as many as fifteen times a night with panic attacks. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and trying to hold everything together while caring for her family. Then God gave her a dream. It lasted only a few seconds, but the words Lion Saddle appeared clearly above a stage. Brianna woke up knowing the dream meant something, and instead of waiting until she understood every detail, she acted on it the very next day. She began creating music about depression, anxiety, real life, and Jesus. Her second video took off, and within two weeks, the platform had reached 100,000 followers. Soon, people began sending messages saying the music was helping them through dark seasons and drawing them closer to God. What Shannon loves about Brianna’s story is that it is not wrapped up in a perfect Christian bow. She is honest about anxiety, regret, temptation, motherhood, criticism, performance, and the daily decision to keep turning back toward Jesus. They talk about what happens when success begins distracting us from the reason God gave us the opportunity in the first place, and why staying close to Jesus matters more than numbers, recognition, or money. They also have an honest conversation about AI and why Brianna uses an AI character as the face of Lion Saddle. Some people see the image and immediately call it fake, but there is a very real woman behind it who has walked through real pain and is creating from the deepest parts of her story. Maybe you have been asking God why you had to walk through the anxiety, the disappointment, the delay, or the season that felt like it might break you. I cannot promise that every painful experience will suddenly make sense, but I do believe God wastes nothing we place into His hands. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

  8. Aug 12

    What God Does When You're Spiritually Exhausted | The Story of Elijah

    Sometimes our deepest discouragement comes immediately after our greatest spiritual victory, leaving us wondering why God suddenly feels so distant. In this episode of Out of Focus, Shannon Stewart sits down with her husband, Mike Lee, to explore one of the most powerful and relatable stories in Scripture: Elijah's journey from Mount Carmel to the cave. After witnessing one of the greatest miracles in the Old Testament, Elijah found himself exhausted, afraid, and overwhelmed. Yet instead of responding with condemnation, God met him with compassion, providing rest, nourishment, and a gentle reminder that he was not alone. Together, Shannon and Mike discuss why discouragement often follows spiritual victories, how isolation quietly weakens our faith, why waiting on God's timing is essential, and what it means to hear His gentle whisper in the middle of life's chaos. Throughout the conversation, they point listeners back to the unchanging character of God and the hope found in His presence. Whether you're walking through burnout, disappointment, fear, or simply feel far from God, this episode offers biblical encouragement for anyone who needs to be reminded that God's faithfulness is not determined by our feelings. He remains near to the weary, faithful in every season, and present even when we cannot see what He is doing. If life feels overwhelming today, don't stay in the cave. Keep bringing your heart to the Lord, surround yourself with people who will encourage your faith, and trust that God is still writing your story with wisdom, purpose, and love. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 RESOURCES & LINKS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shannon_stewart Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outoffocuspodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonstewartmodel TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/shannon_stewart_ 🎙️ All platforms & freebies: https://linktr.ee/shannonstewart 📩 Booking inquiries: info@shannonstewartmodel.com #OutOfFocusPodcast #ShannonStewart #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #Redemption #Grace #Faith

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4.5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

From chasing perfection to discovering grace — this is my story. I’m Shannon Stewart — runner-up on America’s Next Top Model, Miss Ohio USA, and a woman who once tried to earn love through performance. Out of Focus is a podcast for anyone who’s ever felt disqualified, disappointed, or too far gone. We talk about identity, performance-based faith, the weight of shame, and the grace that meets us in the mess. This is for the ones who silently wonder: “Does my story still matter?” It does. Even when life feels out of focus… God brings clarity. Real stories. Deep truth. Radical grace. New episodes every week — with honest conversations and hope-filled moments that point to Jesus.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Stewart
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Shannon Stewart
  • Show Website
    Out of Focus

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