That's Just What I Needed Podcast

Donna Jones
That's Just What I Needed Podcast

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you’ve walked away thinking, “Wow! That was just what I needed”, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged. Author, national speaker, and pastor’s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving “that’s just what I needed” conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she’ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you. But, Donna’s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    `The One Habit That Can Change Your Day

    What if there was one habit that could shift your attitude, make you more content, improve your relationships, alter the atmosphere in your home, and increase your love for God? Would you want to know what it is?   Of course you would!    In this episode, we explore the transformative power of gratitude and its impact on health, relationships, and well-being. You likely already know gratitude is good for you, but in this episode you’ll discover practical, (do-able!!) ways to incorporate thankfulness into your daily routine and to curb the  propensity to complain. (Because, honestly, most of us complain more than we probably realize!) You'll discover how cultivating a grateful mindset can enrich your life, and your family's life, especially during the holiday season.  Try the tips from this episode and your guaranteed to experience more contentment, satisfaction, and connection with both God and the people around you, creating a more joyful and harmonious life. Xo, Donna   Listen in to learn more :  (06:44) Verbal Gratitude and Expectations  (11:26) The Power of Specific Gratitude  (17:34) Practicing Gratitude and Appreciation   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/

    20 min
  2. NOV 13

    The Surprising Secret to Getting Unstuck with Megan Fate Marshman 

    Do you ever feel like you're going round and round with the same issues? Have you ever wondered, " Why am I not more_____ by now?” Have you ever wondered why you struggle to be a “better” Christian? In this episode, I sit down with the inspiring Megan Fate Marshman to discuss her new book, Relaxed: Walking with the God Who's Not Worried About a Thing. Together, we explore the comforting idea of a God who remains steady in our anxieties, imperfections, and real-life struggles. Megan shares how letting go of self-reliance brings true peace. Our conversation focuses on the power of honest prayer and surrender, redefining anxiety as a place where God meets us. Megan and I share stories about how raw, genuine prayers can deepen our connection with Him. We encourage listeners to view prayer as a space for authenticity, where even our wandering thoughts can reveal what we need to bring before God. The episode closes with a touching reflection on experiencing God’s love by bringing our true selves to Him. Plus, there’s a special opportunity to win Megan’s book-simply share this episode on social media and tag me @donnaajones. Listen in to learn more: (04:59) Transforming to be More Like Christ (13:05) God's Response to Imperfection  (16:29) Understanding Double Knowledge and Transformation  (23:23) Surrendering All to God (47 Seconds) (24:58) Holding Tight to Faith  (29:04) Purpose of Book  Speaking of social media, remember to connect with me on social media for additional resources and upcoming speaking events. On Instagram, you'll find me @donnaajones. Xo, Donna   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Megan Fate  Website - https://www.meganfate.com Book - https://www.meganfate.com/books    Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

    33 min
  3. NOV 6

    How to Help Your Child Live with Sexual Integrity with Dr. Jim Burns

    Join us for an insightful chat with Jim Burns, founder of Homeward and author of A Student's Guide to Sexual Integrity: God's Plan for Sex and Your Body. Jim shares his wisdom on discussing sexual integrity from a Christian perspective, offering guidance for parents and grandparents to support young people in navigating sexuality with faith and moral clarity. We tackle the challenges of talking to teens about sexuality, and Jim offers practical, do-able advice: frequent, brief conversations at home, starting early (though it's never too late!). This approach helps normalize these discussions, making parents trusted sources on sensitive topics. Jim also highlights the important role grandparents can play, offering a safe, approachable presence for kids facing tough questions. I'm giving away a copy of Jim’s new book. Simply post a picture of this podcast on social media, mention the name of the show (That's Just What I Needed) and tag me @donnaajones so I'll know you posted.  Speaking of social media, remember to connect with me on social media for additional resources and upcoming speaking events. You'll find me on Instagram, @donnaajones. Xo, Donna   Listen in to learn more: (07:38) Speaking About Awkwardness and Sex  (10:46) Addressing Adolescent Sexuality and Pornography  (15:07) Talking to Kids About Sexuality (17:28) Showing Christian Love to LGBTQ Individual  (22:25) Accessing the Master Designer's Word  (26:05) Teaching Biblical View of Sexuality  (30:16) Parenting Seminars and Resources Highlighted    xo, Donna Episode 93: How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Your Adult Children with Jim Burns   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.   Connect with Jim  Website - https://homeword.com/  Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/drjimburns/?hl=en    Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/

    32 min
  4. OCT 30

    How to Allow God to Work Through You Despite Tough Times and Toxic People with Marnie Swedberg

    It’s easy to allow Jesus’ love to flow through us when everything is going our way, right? But what about those times when people, circumstances, and just plain ‘ole life is tough? On today’s episode, I sit down with Marnie Swedberg, a dynamic mentor, speaker, author, and founder of the world's largest Christian Women’s Speaker resource. Marnie shares how we can be a “flow-through” vessel of Jesus’ mercy, love, and grace.  Marnie shares her remarkable journey and examines how to seamlessly integrate faith into everyday life, especially when confronted with modern-day challenges. We dive into the transformative practice of "Prayer Breathing," which encourages maintaining a spiritual connection akin to dolphins surfacing for air. We explore how this practice fosters spiritual vitality and resilience, especially during tough times like the back-to-back hurricanes Marnie faced recently at her home in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Her personal stories of evacuation and loss showcase the profound impact of relying on spiritual guidance instead of conventional defense mechanisms during life's inevitable storms. Cultivating a consistent connection with God is at the heart of this episode. We introduce the "four R's"—  Recognize, Release, Receive, and Respond—as a practical guide to transitioning from self-reliance to divine dependence. Join us in this heartfelt conversation. I loved it, and I think you will, too! Also, remember to connect with me on social media for additional resources and upcoming speaking events. On Instagram, you'll find me @donnaajones. Xo, Donna   Listen in to learn more.  (03:20) Multifaceted Mentor and Ministry Resource  (08:13) Flow Through Vessel Book Discussion  (12:54) Seeking Divine Guidance Through Dolphin Analogy  (19:25) Navigating Chaos and Toxicity  (23:32) Finding Peace in the Midst  (26:50) The Power of Surrender and Faith (30:37) Developing a Habit to Trust God    Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.   Connect with Marnie Website - https://www.marnie.com/    Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/

    37 min
  5. OCT 23

    How God Uses the Hard and Helps Us Heal with  Dr. Michelle Bengston

    Emotional scars. We all have them.   Whether they’re wounds we can trace back to childhood or recent hurts we’ve just gotten past, we all need to know how to deal with our scars and, even better, how they can be redeemed for good.   Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Michelle Bengston, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and best-selling author. Together, we explore how her expertise in neurology, and psychiatry meets the profound depths of faith to provide healing paths for those struggling with emotional, spiritual, and relational woundedness.    Dr. Bengston opens up about her new book, "Sacred Scars," in which she passionately uncovers how the physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds we carry can become marks of profound purpose and divine transformation. Her journey from suffering to healing is not just a personal narrative but a beacon of hope for anyone feeling trapped by their scars.   This episode tackles the daunting topics of shame and fear of rejection, revealing how sharing personal scars can forge deep connections and foster healing. Dr. Bengston's candid reflections on her battle with clinical depression illuminate the power found in vulnerability—how opening up those hidden parts of ourselves can offer real hope and inspiration for others.   Don't miss a minute of this heartfelt, wisdom-filled conversation. It’s a great one for anyone on a journey of healing (and honestly, aren’t we all?)   xo, Donna   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.   Connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson Website - https://drmichellebengtson.com/    Listen to her podcast - Your Hope-Filled Perspective https://drmichellebengtson.com/podcast/    Pick up a copy of her book, Sacred Scars https://amzn.to/4hdenge   Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/

    31 min
  6. OCT 16

    Embracing the Unseen: Faith, Advocacy, and the Journey of Blindness Awareness with Judy Kirby and Annie Donnellan 

    How do we truly see beyond the surface of our lives?   On this special episode for National Blindness Awareness Month, I’m joined by two amazing guests—legally blind author Judy Kirby and voiceover artist Annie Donnellan. Judy shares the profound spiritual lessons she’s learned from her vision loss, as detailed in her book Blurred Vision. Anne brings an extra layer of humor and insight from narrating the audiobook. Our conversation encourages looking beyond appearances to appreciate the inner beauty and unique journeys of others. Reflecting on writings like "Heart Eyes" and "Bear Not Compare," we focus on living with more compassion and grace.  Tune in to be inspired, learn, and gain a fresh perspective on the world around you. Hit the “subscribe” button now so you don’t miss a single episode! xo, Donna   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith.   Connect with Judy and Anna    Visit Judy’s website and pick up a copy of her book, Blurred Vision https://blurredvisionbooks.com/   Annie’s website  https://anniedonnellon.com/   Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/

    25 min
  7. OCT 8

    Love's Role in Overcoming Addiction With Taylor and Tessa Armstrong

    Can love and faith really turn a life around after addiction? On this episode of That’s Just What I Needed,  I sit down with Taylor and Tessa Armstrong to hear their incredible story. Taylor, once a member of a popular hard rock band, opens up about his struggle with addiction and feelings of self-worth, even though he grew up in a loving Christian home. This conversation is real and raw as we dig into the tough parts of addiction and recovery and the deep faith that helped them both pull through. Tessa shares the fine line between loving someone through their struggles and knowing when to set healthy boundaries. Her story reminds us of the power of prayer, faith, and love—even in the messiest of times. You'll hear about Taylor’s wake-up call—a moment captured on video by Tessa—that set him on the path to sobriety and a fresh start in Christian music. They share how love, faith, and a supportive community can lead to real transformation. If you or someone you love is navigating the challenges of addiction, this episode is filled with hope, practical insights, and the reminder that recovery is possible. Join our community for continued support, and be inspired by their journey of faith and redemption. Hit the “subscribe” button now so you don’t miss a single episode!   xo, Donna   Listen in to learn more:    Connect with Taylor and Listen to His Current Songs; https://open.spotify.com/artist/5I5UvpmpcsTd7tln4yuCgm   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith. Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/

    37 min
  8. OCT 2

    Unmasking Manipulation: Biblical Strategies for Healthy Relationships

    Can you spot manipulative behavior in your relationships? Or even in yourself?    No authentic believer wants to be manipulative or to be manipulated, yet it happens. All, The. Time.   It’s time to uncover the subtle and not-so-subtle ways manipulation can creep into our lives so we can course correct, guided by God’s Word.   In this episode, we explore how to identify and address our own susceptibility to manipulation and the manipulative tendencies we might unknowingly exhibit. Reflecting on Philippians 1:27 and Philippians 2, we delve into conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, prioritizing humility and the well-being of others over control.    We define the difference between manipulation and healthy influence or persuasion and provide practical strategies to spot manipulation.    Join us as we dissect 8 common manipulation tactics, from dishonesty to weaponizing scripture and playing the victim. Learn how to maintain your composure, assert boundaries, and navigate these power dynamics without losing peace.    By embracing honest communication, engaging in self-examination, and growing in spiritual maturity, we can tackle manipulation head-on and live by God’s mandate to speak the truth in love.    Hit the “subscribe” button now so you don’t miss a single episode!   xo, Donna   Listen in to learn more:    (0:03:18 - 0:06:18) Recognizing Manipulative Behavior (0:14:36 - 0:17:36) How to Combat the  8 Common Manipulative Tactics   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith or Christianity or simply want to strengthen your knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith. Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/

    23 min
5
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you’ve walked away thinking, “Wow! That was just what I needed”, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged. Author, national speaker, and pastor’s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving “that’s just what I needed” conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she’ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you. But, Donna’s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

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