Faith Unfiltered Life

Jojo Palacio, Karen LaFollette, Leon Palacio, & John Bell

Faith Unfiltered Life: Real Conversations on Jesus, Doubt, and Spiritual Growth Are you a seeker with big questions, a skeptic looking for honesty, or a believer feeling worn out by modern religion? Welcome to Faith Unfiltered Life, hosted by Jojo Palacio, Karen LaFollette, Leon Palacio, and John Bell. We believe that God isn’t afraid of your doubt or your hard conversations. Each week, we dive into biblical truths and practical theology to help you navigate the journey of faith in a modern world.

  1. 4d ago

    The Power of One Step Back to God | Pastor Peggy Heald

    Can someone go from sitting hungover in the back row of a church service to leading that same congregation for over two decades? On this episode of Faith Unfiltered, we sit down with Pastor Peggy Heald, Lead Pastor at Believers Victory Church in Lake Worth Beach, FL. Pastor Peggy opens up about her personal journey—from feeling called to ministry as a kid, to walking through what she calls her "dark years" away from the Lord, to stepping into her leadership calling. She shares powerful, practical truths for anyone who feels stuck, discouraged, or too far gone in their faith journey. Show Notes: 00:00 – Welcome to Faith Unfiltered & Road Trip Intro 02:15 – Meeting Pastor Peggy Heald & BVC Background 07:30 – Early Life, Christian Karate Camp, & Recognizing a Calling 12:10 – Walking Away from Faith: The "Dark Years" Explained 18:40 – The Turning Point: "You can be 1,000 steps away, but God is always one step back." 24:15 – Sitting Hungover in Church to Becoming Lead Pastor 31:00 – Overcoming Condemnation vs. Experiencing Conviction & Grace 42:10 – What "Real Faith" Looks Like on a Monday Key Takeaways: God’s mercy gives you what you need, not what you deserve. Faith isn't about perfection; it’s about showing up every single day. No matter what pit you find yourself in, God will pull you out and establish your path. Connect with Us: Subscribe to the Faith Unfiltered podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review if this conversation blessed you!

  2. Sep 23

    What Does Living a FULL Christian Life ACTUALLY Look Like?

    What does it actually mean to live a "FULL" life in your faith walk? Welcome to Faith Unfiltered Life—a podcast for the seeker, the skeptic, and the worn-out believer, filmed live at Naples Church in Naples, Florida! In this episode, hosts Jojo Palacio, Karen LaFollette, Leon Palacio, and John Bell break down the biblical reality of living a Faith Unfiltered Life (Live FUL). Moving past the pressure of pristine church perfectionism, religious performance, and cultural comfort, the team shares honest personal stories—from John standing up to corruption in his police department to Karen learning radical obedience in everyday moments. We unpack Paul’s warning in Hebrews 5 about moving past "spiritual dullness" and stepped-up accountability, asking what it truly takes to surrender, grow in discernment, and live out your faith in the real world. 📍 Filmed Live at Naples Church in Naples, FL ☕ Sponsored by Creation by One & Naples Church ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS 00:00 - What Does "Living FULL" Actually Mean? 01:20 - The Funny Origin of Faith Unfiltered Life (The "FU File") 02:25 - Surrender vs. Suffering: Personal Definitions of Faith 04:30 - Breaking the Myth of "Picture Perfect" Christianity 06:15 - Karen’s Turning Point: Learning Obedience in the Small Things 08:35 - John’s Stand: Choosing Integrity Over a Police Career 11:40 - Cultural Comfort vs. Biblical Purpose 13:50 - Reading Paul in Hebrews 5: Are Believers Spiritually Dull? 16:20 - Can You Be Real, Stern, and Loving in Your Faith? 18:30 - Spiritual Growth Takeaway: Moving from Milk to Solid Food 🔗 CONNECT WITH FAITH UNFILTERED LIFE Official Website: Faith Unfiltered Life Website Listen on Apple Podcasts: Faith Unfiltered Life on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on YouTube: @FaithUnfilteredLife Top Search Keywords: How to Live a Full Christian Life, Faith Unfiltered Life Podcast, Practical Christian Growth, How to Walk with God Daily, Naples FL Christian Podcast, Biblical Mind Renewal, Surrender to God, Moving Past Church Hurt, Christian Accountability.

  3. Sep 9

    Does the Bible Really Say That? | Busting Common Christian Cliches

    Have you ever heard phrases like "God won't give you more than you can handle," "Good people go to heaven," or "Everything happens for a reason" and wondered if they’re actually in the Bible? In this episode of the Faith Unfiltered Life podcast, John, Karen, Leon, and Jojo dive into the most common Christian cliches, popular cultural myths, and childhood lies we’ve grown up believing. Join the team as they unbox scripture versus tradition, dismantle toxic theology, and discuss what it truly means to rely on God through both the mundane and heavy seasons of life. Whether you're tuning in from Naples, Florida or listening around the globe, join us at the table for an honest, real-life conversation about faith, culture, and moving beyond church-wall cliches. 00:00 – Funny Childhood Lies & Misconceptions 02:18 – Welcome to Faith Unfiltered Life Podcast 03:45 – Bible or Cap? Busting Popular Cliches 04:10 – "Everything Happens for a Reason" (Is It Biblical?) 05:40 – "Follow Your Heart" & Emotional Pitfalls 06:20 – Myth Busted: "God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle" 08:15 – "Good People Go to Heaven" & Prosperity Gospel Cliches 10:30 – How False Cliches Impact Your Relationship with God 12:15 – What Scripture Actually Says About Burdens & Weakness 14:50 – Inviting God Into the Everyday Successes & Good Moments 17:10 – Building Faith Daily: How God Sees You as His Child Christian Cliches, Bible Misconceptions, Does The Bible Say That, Faith Unfiltered, False Theology, Popular Bible Verses, Everything Happens For A Reason, Prosperity Gospel, Faith and Culture, Bible or Cap, Christian Myths, What the Bible Actually Says, Faith Unfiltered Life Podcast, Christian Banter, Faith in Daily Life, Naples Church Podcast, Naples Church, Naples FL Podcast, Creation by One

  4. Sep 2

    Can Christians Smoke Weed? | Weed, CBD & Sobriety

    Is marijuana permitted for Christians because "God made all the plants," or does getting high breach the biblical command to stay sober-minded? In this episode of Faith Unfiltered Life, hosts Leon, Jojo, Karen, and John unpack a viral TikTok debate claiming weed is permissible under biblical law. Together, we dive deep into the gray areas of modern Christian culture—addressing addiction, legalism, using CBD medicinally versus getting high recreationally, and how believers often weaponize Scripture out of context. 🔥 KEY TOPICS COVERED: • Deconstructing the viral "Genesis permissions" TikTok arguments • Mind alteration vs. Biblical sobriety (1 Peter 5:8) • Alcohol vs. Weed vs. Prescription Drugs: Where is the line? • Jojo's chaotic CBD/THC sleep gummy story & John's concert joint confessions ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro & Teaser: The Accidental THC Gummy & Concert Joints 01:15 - Welcome to Faith Unfiltered Life 02:30 - The TikTok Video: "God Made Plants, So Weed Is Good"? 06:10 - The Danger of Cherry-Picking Scripture 08:45 - Personal Stories: Past Experiences & Dealing with Addiction 11:20 - Is Smoking Weed an Automatic Sin? The Hosts Debate 14:05 - Loving God with Your Whole Mind: What Sobriety Means 17:30 - Jojo’s Hilarious Accidental THC Story 21:15 - Medicinal Use vs. Recreational Use (Pain & Prescriptions) 25:40 - Cussing, Drinking, and Weed: Where Do Gateway Behaviors Lead? 29:00 - Final Thoughts: Heart Posture and Christian Freedom 💬 QUESTION OF THE DAY: Where do you draw the line between medicinal relief and recreational substance use? Share your perspective in the comments! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Faith Unfiltered Life for weekly honest conversations on faith, culture, and relationships. 🌐 Official Website: https://FaithUnfilteredLife.com 📬 Join Our Newsletter: https://FaithUnfilteredLife.com/newsletter #IsSmokingWeedASin #Christianity #FaithUnfiltered #WeedAndFaith #ChristianPodcast #Sobriety #FaithTok

  5. Aug 26

    I’m Giving Up Everything, But Where Am I? The Pressure to Have It All with Katie Garcia

    Are you wearing so many hats that you feel like you’re disappearing into your own life? In this episode of Faith Unfiltered Life, hosts Karen and JoJo (Jovi) sit down with special guest Katie Garcia—wife, mom, entrepreneur, worship leader, and writer—to unpack the overwhelming pressure women face to "have it all." Together, they dive into real, unfiltered conversations about avoiding burnout, overcoming comparison on social media, and navigating seasons of resentment, anger, and comparison in marriage. Katie shares what it practically looks like to pray without ceasing through "ugly prayers" in the middle of everyday chaos, and why sacrificing for your family shouldn't mean losing the identity God gave you. Whether you're tuning in from Naples, Florida, or anywhere around the world, join us for an honest discussion about faith, motherhood, identity, and coming to God just as you are. Timestamps: 00:00 – "I'm Giving Up Everything, But Where Am I?" (Episode Teaser) 00:46 – Welcome Back & Introducing Guest Katie Garcia 02:10 – Behind the Scenes: Bringing Guest Speakers to the Table 04:15 – The Heavy Season: Juggling Toddlers, Preteens, & Ambition 05:35 – Can You Really Have It All? (Managing Priorities & Comparison) 07:45 – When Comparison Takes Root: Social Media vs. Reality 08:35 – Proverbs 16:9 & Letting God Direct Your Daily Steps 09:30 – What "Praying Without Ceasing" Actually Looks Like 10:45 – Wrestling with Resentment, Marriage Dynamics, & Discipline 12:05 – Ugly Prayers: Talking to God in the Middle of Chaos 14:00 – Finding God in Worship & Praying Over Your Home 15:30 – Relational Faith: Moving Past Formal Christianity 18:15 – Mistaking Sacrifice for Disappearing: Reclaiming Your Identity Faith Unfiltered Life, Katie Garcia, Pressure To Have It All, Christian Podcast, Mom Burnout, Ugly Prayers, Christian Marriage, Faith and Motherhood, Overcoming Comparison, Pray Without Ceasing, Christian Women Podcast, Real Faith

  6. Aug 19

    Real Faith, Unfiltered Truth: 1 Year of Faith Unfiltered Life

    Welcome to the 1-Year Anniversary Special of Faith Unfiltered Life! In this episode, Karen, Jovi, John, and Leon pull back the curtain to share the raw, funny, and messy behind-the-scenes reality of building a podcast from scratch—from deleted audio files, camera failures, and refilming episodes 10 times to navigating awkward first impressions on the worship team. More than a recap, this episode revisits the core mission of Faith Unfiltered Life: creating an authentic, safe space for seekers, skeptics, and worn-out believers. We share how we moved past "filtering the unfiltered" to put every conversation on the table—tackling church hurt, real faith, and the everyday moments that shape our walk with God. Whether you are looking for an honest Christian podcast, processing questions about your faith, or searching for authentic community, take a seat at the table with us! Timestamps: 00:00 – Bloopers & Behind-the-Scenes: The Episodes You Never Saw 01:45 – Welcome to Our 1-Year Anniversary Special! 03:20 – How It Started: Coffee, Church Walls, and Awkward First Steps 05:50 – For Seekers, Skeptics, and Worn-Out Believers (Our Mission) 08:15 – How We Named "Faith Unfiltered Life" & Defining Our Vision 10:40 – Moving Beyond Church Hurt: Processing Raw Faith & Real Struggles 12:30 – "Can't You Find Somewhere Else to Sit?" (John & Jovi's First Impression) 15:10 – The Shift: Deciding to Put EVERYTHING on the Table 17:45 – Bringing the Guys Onboard: Expanding the Perspective 20:15 – What's Next for Year Two & Final Thoughts Faith Unfiltered Life, Christian Podcast, Christianity, Faith and Culture, Real Faith, Church Hurt, Christian Bloopers, Behind the Scenes Podcast, Believers Seekers Skeptics, Honest Faith Conversations, Christian Community, Naples Church

  7. Aug 12

    Can You Actually "Have It All"? (The Social Media Lie)

    Are you feeling exhausted from trying to "have it all"—the perfect career, marriage, kids, ministry, fitness, and peace? In this episode of Faith Unfiltered Life, Jojo, Leon, and Karen tackle the overwhelming pressure to keep up with everyone else's highlight reels. We discuss how social media fuels envy and ingratitude, how to redefine what "having it all" means in your current season, and why finding a sustainable rhythm with God is far more powerful than chasing impossible balance. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Chasing Someone Else’s Dream 00:25 - Podcast Welcome & Topic Setup 01:26 - What Does "Having It All" Really Mean? 05:16 - Social Media Pressure & Comparison 09:04 - Gratitude vs. Envy Mindset 14:28 - Breaking Unrealistic Expectations 18:45 - Finding Life Rhythm Over Perfect Balance 22:59 - Eternal Priorities vs. Modern Culture 30:44 - Priorities vs. Important Things 33:13 - Leading With Priorities, Not Pressure 33:54 - Managing Your 24 Hours 35:33 - Why Family Comes First 36:46 - Redefining Success in Your Season 38:13 - Money, Ministry, & Motives 40:42 - Raising Resilient Kids 42:29 - Split-Second Choices That Change Everything 48:46 - Healthy Ambition & Self-Control 50:55 - Submitting Your Plans to God (Proverbs 16:9) 57:45 - Applying Biblical Wisdom Today 01:00:12 - Extending Grace in Hard Seasons 01:05:20 - Final Takeaways & Resources 💬 QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is one area of life where you feel the most pressure to "keep up"? Let us know in the comments below! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Faith Unfiltered Life for weekly honest conversations on faith, culture, and relationships. 👉 Grab official gear & join the community: https://faithunfilteredlife.com #FaithUnfiltered #Burnout #ChristianPodcast #SocialMediaPressure #Priorities #MentalHealth #SpiritualGrowth

About

Faith Unfiltered Life: Real Conversations on Jesus, Doubt, and Spiritual Growth Are you a seeker with big questions, a skeptic looking for honesty, or a believer feeling worn out by modern religion? Welcome to Faith Unfiltered Life, hosted by Jojo Palacio, Karen LaFollette, Leon Palacio, and John Bell. We believe that God isn’t afraid of your doubt or your hard conversations. Each week, we dive into biblical truths and practical theology to help you navigate the journey of faith in a modern world.