Lighten Up with Hannah Crews

Hannah Crews
  • 4.7 (13)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the “Lighten Up” podcast! This is your feel-good, biweekly podcast where faith and fun collide! I’m your host, Hannah Crews 🌸 You’re gonna hear a lot of unfiltered thoughts around here. We will have some spicy conversations, you'll hear some powerful testimonies, and we're going to learn together and laugh together as we grow our faith in the Lord. The goal is to become joyful people - despite the crazy, and despite our circumstances. So if your down for that, tune in every other week on Mondays - and get ready to lighten up, because there's so much joy in Jesus!

  1. 4d ago

    Ex-Protestant Pastor shares why he became Catholic!

    Sam Nunnally is the creator of It’s Okay to Be Catholic, where he helps people online understand Catholic teaching through Scripture, Church history, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. His mission is to make the Catholic faith approachable for anyone sincerely seeking truth, and today he is joining us to discuss why being Catholic IS okay! There’s a whole lotta misconceptions out there about the Catholic faith and Sam is here to encourage us and share the truth with us. As a former Protestant pastor, Sam addresses some of the biggest objections to Catholicism like prayer, sacrifice, and the Eucharist with compassion and sensitivity.  CHECK OUT MORE OF SAM’S CONTENT:  https://itsokaytobecatholic.org/ https://www.instagram.com/itsokaytobecatholic/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Its-Okay-to-be-Catholic/61575544535841/ https://www.tiktok.com/@itsokaytobecatholict=ZT-90qb2EHt1Yr&r=1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALL MY PATREON "ELITE" MEMBERS GET ACCESS TO THE FULL EPISODE WITH SAM! UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO HEAR THE REST: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership You also get access to THE BOOK CLUB where we are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack FOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Check us out on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9 Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 Chapters: 0:00 How “It’s Okay to Be Catholic” started 5:47 Discovering the early Church Fathers 11:04 Why Catholic theology made more sense 13:23 From Protestant pastor to Catholic 16:26 Mary, feminine imagery, and the Trinity 18:48 Authority, interpretation, and confession 22:29 Why confession matters biblically and spiritually 27:37 Prayer in Catholicism vs. Protestantism 32:23 Prayer vs. worship 35:41 What worship really means 37:46 Why it’s okay to be Catholic 38:11 What you don’t lose by becoming Catholic

    Ex-Protestant Pastor shares why he became Catholic!

  2. Jul 13

    It’s Hard for Protestants to Convert to Catholicism. HERE’S WHY!

    Isn’t my shirt cute?! It’s from Santa Cruz - Elevated Catholic Apparel! Use promo code “Hannah15” for 15% off + free shipping! https://stcruz.co?sca_ref=11337915.TIlWY7IfAWKHL Most Protestants avoid exploring the deep history of Christianity because confronting its roots can feel like an identity crisis. And yet, the truth might be more sacred than you ever imagined. In this episode, I’m sharing some personal things I experienced as I wrestled with the decision to become Catholic.  This episode isn't just a conversation; it's an invitation to challenge assumptions, shed pride, and consider whether rediscovering the original faith might be the missing piece in your spiritual journey. Whether you're curious or committed, you'll gain a new perspective on what it really means to follow Christ as the early Christians did… without the filters of centuries of misunderstanding.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack FOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9 Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of Reformation and Denominational Splintering 04:14 Misconceptions About Catholic Beliefs and Practices 08:55 Letting Go of Familiar Traditions and Comfort Zones 11:12 Overcoming the Fear of Being Wrong 13:14 Encouragement for Protestants to Explore Catholicism

    It’s Hard for Protestants to Convert to Catholicism. HERE’S WHY!

  3. Jul 6

    The Role of Women in the Catholic Church with Anna Sutton

    Anna Sutton, one of the co-host of The Catholic Everywoman Podcast, joins us to explore one of the most debated questions in modern Christianity: what is the role of women in the Church?🤔 Anna shares her personal journey from a non-denominational evangelical upbringing to Catholicism, explaining how her conversion shaped her understanding of Scripture, the sacraments, Mary, and the papacy. We discuss the Southern Baptist Convention’s stance on women pastors, why so many Protestant women feel boxed in, and how the Catholic Church offers a different vision—one that honors women’s gifts without flattening them into a single role. FOREWARNING❗️we also get a little PG-13 and talk about motherhood, marriage, fertility, and Natural Family Planning in this episode.  If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about faith, womanhood, Church authority, or where truth is found, this episode offers an honest and encouraging conversation you won’t want to miss! CHECK OUT THE CATHOLIC EVERYWOMAN PODCAST: https://thecatholiceverywoman.substack.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catholic-everywoman/id1896056184 https://www.youtube.com/@thecatholiceverywoman —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack FOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9 Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 Chapters 00:00 Anna’s Catholic Conversion Story 09:16 The Impact of the Sacraments on Marriage 12:15 Why Only Men are Priests 14:06 The SBC’s Controversial Statement on Women Preaching 18:29 Roles for Women in the Catholic Church 22:36 Wrestling with the Truth of Catholicism as a Protestant 27:39 Choosing Catholicism Over Orthodoxy   33:00 Trust in Catholic Teachings 36:09 Motherhood and Contraception 40:52 Understanding Natural Family Planning  45:40 The Gift of Life and Children 48:54 The Catholic Everywoman Podcast

    The Role of Women in the Catholic Church with Anna Sutton

  4. Jun 29

    How Trump, False Prophets, and Church History led me to Catholicism

    So many people have reached out to me to ask, “what made you consider Catholicism in the first place?” So, here we go… In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the timeline of events that made me start questioning EVERYTHING. What began with questions surrounding false 2020 election prophecies, accountability within modern Christianity, and Charlie Kirk’s devastating assassination ultimately led me to search for the roots of original Christianity. Whether you're Protestant, Catholic, or just simply a truth seeker like me, this episode offers an honest testimony about laying down long-held beliefs at the feet of Jesus. If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are currently reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin FOLLOW ON SOCIALS TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lighten-Up-Podcast/61589769352109/?http_ref=eyJ0cyI6MTc4MTc0OTA2NjAwMCwiciI6IiJ9 Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 **This video contains music from Shutterstock, licensed by Splice video editing app.

    How Trump, False Prophets, and Church History led me to Catholicism

  5. Jun 22

    The Papacy, Mary, and MORE with Keith Nester

    Keith Nester, a Catholic author, speaker, and podcaster, shares his journey from anti-Catholic Evangelical pastor to full-time spokesperson and educator for the Catholic Faith through his ministry, Down to Earth.  This episode tackles head-on common misconceptions that keep many from embracing church unity including papal authority, human infallibility, Mary’s Immaculate Conception and perpetual virginity, and the true meaning of worship. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Is the Catholic Church truly founded on Scripture?” or trying to navigate doubts about church authority and tradition, this is the honest, biblical journey you need to hear.  The Convert's Guide to Roman Catholicism by Keith Nestor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QVYYCC4 Support Keith’s ministry: https://down2earthministry.org/ Subscribe to Keith’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KeithNester Pray the Rosary with Keith: https://www.youtube.com/@RosaryCrewwithKeithNester Follow Keith on social media:  https://www.instagram.com/keithnester1/ https://x.com/KeithNester1 https://www.facebook.com/KeithNesterCatholic/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in joining my BOOK CLUB and online community for Catholic Curious individuals? click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are currently reading through JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST - which you can purchase here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 FOR INQUIRIES ABOUT THE PODCAST, visit my website and fill out the form: https://www.hannahcrewsblog.com/podcast Chapters: 00:00 Journey from Protestantism to Catholicism 04:32 The Role of Authority in Faith 07:36 Understanding the Papacy 10:32 The Historical Context of the Papacy 14:43 The Historical Context of Catholicism 19:09 Understanding the Papacy and Its Significance 23:24 Papal Infallibility Explained 29:14 Mary's Role in Catholic Doctrine 34:07 The Nature of Sin and Salvation 39:56 The Authority of the Church vs. Individual Interpretation 49:51 The Church as the Pillar of Truth 57:41 The Journey of Faith and Personal Sacrifice

    The Papacy, Mary, and MORE with Keith Nester

  6. Jun 15

    Why this Protestant Pastor Became a Catholic

    Justin Hibbard, the host of the Why Catholic Podcast, is a Catholic apologist passionate about connecting believers with the roots of the faith established by the apostles. Today he’s sharing with us his eye-opening journey from reformed Protestant pastor to fully embracing the Catholic Church’s ancient roots.  Justin’s incredible testimony reminds us… even though we may have a lot to lose - relationships, job opportunities, reputations - seeking the truth will lead us to the most rewarding gift we could possibly find, Jesus Christ himself.  If you’re interested in learning more about Catholic theology or Church history subscribe to Justin’s educational Podcast: Why Catholic Podcast - https://whycatholic.substack.com/ Why Catholic Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whycatholicpodcast/ The Coming Home Network - https://chnetwork.org/ Interested in joining my BOOK CLUB and online community for Catholic Curious individuals? click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are currently reading through JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST - which you can purchase here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:50 Journey from Evangelicalism to Catholicism 10:03 The Shift in Faith and Exploration 16:44 Understanding Early Church History 22:55 The Rise of Catholicism Among Protestants 26:29 The Search for Truth in Faith 29:02 Understanding the Eucharist: A Historical Perspective 30:52 Personal Journeys: Converting to Catholicism 35:29 Navigating Relationships and Faith Transitions 37:24 Empathy in Dialogue: Understanding Different Worldviews 41:30 Resources for Exploring Catholicism 44:13 Experiencing the Mass: A Transformative Encounter 51:18 The Sacramental Worldview: Heaven Meets Earth

    Why this Protestant Pastor Became a Catholic

  7. Jun 8

    I am Christian, but I can’t remain a Protestant. HERE’S WHY!

    No, I’m not Catholic... BUT I had to make this video to share what I’ve observed and learned so far. In American Protestant churches, I had never really been taught about church history prior to the reformation. After doing a deep dive for myself, I realized - I know too much now. And I can’t go back to what I didn’t know. What a rich, beautiful, exciting, sometimes lonely journey this has been - discovering a treasure trove of truth into the history of the Christian faith that I love so much.  To quote the 19th century theologian and Catholic convert John Henry Newman, “To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”  If you’re interested in learning more about the early church JOIN MY BOOK CLUB and online community on PATREON! Click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are getting ready to start reading JESUS AND THE JEWISH ROOTS OF THE EUCHARIST which you can get using the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0385531869?linkCode=ssc&tag=hannahcrews0d-20&creativeASIN=0385531869&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2PB2I38GARM1E&ref_=aipsflist_asin CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 Chapters 00:00 Journey into Early Church History 05:01 The Significance of the Eucharist 10:01 Worship Focus: Performance vs. Reverence 12:57 Authority in Scripture and Tradition 16:00 Moral Issues and Doctrinal Variance 19:56 Personal Transformation and Seeking Truth

    I am Christian, but I can’t remain a Protestant. HERE’S WHY!

  8. Jun 1

    She went to OCIA to prove Catholicism wrong. Now she's Catholic.

    From Seventh day adventist, to atheist, to non-denominational, to finally finding her home in the Catholic Church - Aubrey's story is a powerful testament to how truth can reshape your entire faith journey. She shares how going through the catechumenate stages of OCIA to DEBUNK Catholic doctrines led her to discover the beauty and depth of the Church. Aubrey’s journey highlights that faith questions are always worth seeking answers to, even through doubts and misconceptions. And that sometimes, the answers are where you least expect them.  If you have fundamental questions about faith or are just curious about Catholic traditions, OCIA might just be a natural next step for you in your journey. Contact your local Parish to learn more! FOLLOW AUBREY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aubreykern/ Interested in joining my BOOK CLUB and online community for Catholic Curious individuals? click the link below and become an “ELITE” member: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLightenUpPodcast/membership We are currently reading through ROME SWEET HOME - which you can purchase here! https://www.amazon.com/shop/hannahcrews.blog/list/2PB2I38GARM1E?ref_=aipsflist CHECK OUT CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES: A HEALTH INSURANCE ALTERNATIVE AT HALF THE COST https://info.chministries.org/hannah-crews?utm_campaign=infl_hannahcrews&utm_source=hannahcrews&utm_medium=hannahcrews_vanityurl_august2025_hannahcrewslandingpage&utm_content=info-pack CONNECT WITH ME TO STAY IN THE LIGHTEN UP LOOP: Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Hannahcrewsblog My Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hannahcrews.blog/ The Lighten Up Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelightenup.podcast/ Follow on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Z99Vwa8ret6yXRLwG18MY?si=SbbMvpO3R-qLnbgiG4IFeA Follow on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-hannah-crews/id1874136088 Chapters 00:00 Aubrey's Spiritual Journey 06:16 Exploring Catholicism 15:13 Misconceptions About Catholicism 19:44 Navigating Family and Community Reactions 23:15 The Power of Intercession 28:59 Understanding Saints and Mary 32:11 Debunking Misconceptions about Catholicism 38:11 Advice for Investigating Catholicism

    She went to OCIA to prove Catholicism wrong. Now she's Catholic.
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4.7
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About

Welcome to the “Lighten Up” podcast! This is your feel-good, biweekly podcast where faith and fun collide! I’m your host, Hannah Crews 🌸 You’re gonna hear a lot of unfiltered thoughts around here. We will have some spicy conversations, you'll hear some powerful testimonies, and we're going to learn together and laugh together as we grow our faith in the Lord. The goal is to become joyful people - despite the crazy, and despite our circumstances. So if your down for that, tune in every other week on Mondays - and get ready to lighten up, because there's so much joy in Jesus!

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